Thank you for letting me know! Anyways I'm due to go to the beach tomorrow. I am so excited! I will get you a post when I get home tomorrow. For now I'm off to bed.
LadyAnnaLee Member
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Darin does not have a high opinion of Sols. And while she's not insulted that Ridahne called her Sol she really rather make it perfectly clear that she never ever be equated to them again. If Darin calmly told Ridahne that she gets why she called her Darin-Sol and explains why she should never do that again will Ridahne get upset? And if so how upset would she get?
Darin wasn’t sure what she was playing or even when she should stop. She recognized Ridahne’s voice even if the human didn’t understand the Azurien words. The song they created together was hauntingly beautiful and majestically simple. Darin began to sway about the same time Ridahne began to dance. They were telling a story. They were telling Astra’s story, but Darin thought Ravi was the only other person that knew that. The human ended on a hopeful note. Astra was more than the land. Darin had to believe that or else she might lose all hope. That was just the way it was.
Darin opened her eyes as she finished her song. The first thing she saw was Ridahne; looking like she wanted to melt into the wall and disappear. The human placed her fiddle gently in it case before walking over to her companion and holding out her hand. Darin was painfully aware of the fact that every set of eyes were on her and Ridahne. She shouldn’t be surprised by that fact. They held the hope of all of Astra in their hands. Darin was obvious. The Seed was pleasantly burning against her thigh. She didn’t know if Ridahne realized how much pressure was on her. Darin may have been The Seed-Bearer, but she was the guardian. Keeping Darin from falling off of cliffs and down gorges was a feat in and of itself.
Darin spoke, “Stand Ridahne. Please. Please stand with me.”
Of all the truths that Darin had learned today the truth about what The Tree actually had the power to do had been the easiest to understand. Darin finally had an answer for whether or not her Tree would do the same thing as The Tree, but she wasn’t sure she should tell Ridahne that or not. It would open a lot of questions that Darin wasn’t sure she could answer or not. Right now, she just knew that she needed Ridahne on her side. What’s more she wanted Ridahne on her side.
Darin continued, “Get up Ridahne Torzinei. Do not hide what you are; at least not here. And please, never from me.”
Darin hoped that last request wouldn’t backfired. The last time Ridahne had decided to “reveal” herself to Darin they wound up yelling at each other. Yet, the human knew there was so much more than what Ridahne was showing her. The Tree was adamant that Ridahne needed to be on this journey. Darin wasn’t sure that Chaining her to The Seed had been the way to ensure that would happen, but happened it had. Now the young Seed-Bearer had to do her best to ensure that Ridahne wanted to be here. Darin had a vague idea of how the journey was going to go, but she had a fairly good idea of how Ridahne would react to what would most likely happen in Azurei. The Human couldn’t wait to see the look on the Elf’s face, but that would only happen if Ridahne learned to take pride in the direction of her life. Which meant, Darin supposed, she should learn to do the same as well.
Darin was pretty sure that she was babbling now, and the bow of her instrument was tapping against her leg nervously, “We have no need to hide from people we trust. I am The Seed-Bearer, and you are my Guardian. So,” Darin licked her suddenly dry lips, “Let’s be that; together.”
Behind Darin everyone in the room was watching. Ravi was idlily tracing patterns in the water drops on the table. One long leg was crossed over the other. He alone had a fairly good idea of what was happening. He learned a little bit about Azurei from Tax and the other Azurein workers. They tended to let things go and move on once the yelling was done. Humans let things fester until there was communication to deal with the feelings that had caused the yelling in first place. Darin had been worrying about the fact that the two of them had yelled at each other twice now since it had happened. Ridahne was trying to move on from it. That would not happen until Darin received her closure. Hopefully, what was happening her would help. Darin needed to know that there would be no more talk of abandoning her. Whether or not the Elf realized it or not, whether or not The Seed-Chained agreed with it or not, Darin had seen a repeat of her father when Ridahne had spoken of finding the human another guide. Darin hadn’t realized it yet. She was so desperate to move past her father that she buried the trauma until it reared its head in ugly ways. Ravi slowly looked up to look Ridahne in the eye. Slowly he tapped his own face and then his heart. The only choice in the room right now was Ridahne’s. This would be the only time the Guadian got to take such a burden from The Seed-Bearer. The girl with so much passion needed to think just once or any chance for her might just be lost.
Darin opened her eyes as she finished her song. The first thing she saw was Ridahne; looking like she wanted to melt into the wall and disappear. The human placed her fiddle gently in it case before walking over to her companion and holding out her hand. Darin was painfully aware of the fact that every set of eyes were on her and Ridahne. She shouldn’t be surprised by that fact. They held the hope of all of Astra in their hands. Darin was obvious. The Seed was pleasantly burning against her thigh. She didn’t know if Ridahne realized how much pressure was on her. Darin may have been The Seed-Bearer, but she was the guardian. Keeping Darin from falling off of cliffs and down gorges was a feat in and of itself.
Darin spoke, “Stand Ridahne. Please. Please stand with me.”
Of all the truths that Darin had learned today the truth about what The Tree actually had the power to do had been the easiest to understand. Darin finally had an answer for whether or not her Tree would do the same thing as The Tree, but she wasn’t sure she should tell Ridahne that or not. It would open a lot of questions that Darin wasn’t sure she could answer or not. Right now, she just knew that she needed Ridahne on her side. What’s more she wanted Ridahne on her side.
Darin continued, “Get up Ridahne Torzinei. Do not hide what you are; at least not here. And please, never from me.”
Darin hoped that last request wouldn’t backfired. The last time Ridahne had decided to “reveal” herself to Darin they wound up yelling at each other. Yet, the human knew there was so much more than what Ridahne was showing her. The Tree was adamant that Ridahne needed to be on this journey. Darin wasn’t sure that Chaining her to The Seed had been the way to ensure that would happen, but happened it had. Now the young Seed-Bearer had to do her best to ensure that Ridahne wanted to be here. Darin had a vague idea of how the journey was going to go, but she had a fairly good idea of how Ridahne would react to what would most likely happen in Azurei. The Human couldn’t wait to see the look on the Elf’s face, but that would only happen if Ridahne learned to take pride in the direction of her life. Which meant, Darin supposed, she should learn to do the same as well.
Darin was pretty sure that she was babbling now, and the bow of her instrument was tapping against her leg nervously, “We have no need to hide from people we trust. I am The Seed-Bearer, and you are my Guardian. So,” Darin licked her suddenly dry lips, “Let’s be that; together.”
Behind Darin everyone in the room was watching. Ravi was idlily tracing patterns in the water drops on the table. One long leg was crossed over the other. He alone had a fairly good idea of what was happening. He learned a little bit about Azurei from Tax and the other Azurein workers. They tended to let things go and move on once the yelling was done. Humans let things fester until there was communication to deal with the feelings that had caused the yelling in first place. Darin had been worrying about the fact that the two of them had yelled at each other twice now since it had happened. Ridahne was trying to move on from it. That would not happen until Darin received her closure. Hopefully, what was happening her would help. Darin needed to know that there would be no more talk of abandoning her. Whether or not the Elf realized it or not, whether or not The Seed-Chained agreed with it or not, Darin had seen a repeat of her father when Ridahne had spoken of finding the human another guide. Darin hadn’t realized it yet. She was so desperate to move past her father that she buried the trauma until it reared its head in ugly ways. Ravi slowly looked up to look Ridahne in the eye. Slowly he tapped his own face and then his heart. The only choice in the room right now was Ridahne’s. This would be the only time the Guadian got to take such a burden from The Seed-Bearer. The girl with so much passion needed to think just once or any chance for her might just be lost.
Darin tried tapping the cup to the table as Ridahne did only to sing up with a hand cover in the drink. She licked the liquid from her fingers. It was strange and different, but Darin loved it. She found more of it and this time didn’t tap so hard. She wanted to learn about all the things Ridahne wanted to know. Besides the more she learned about other cultures the easy her job would be. The Gardener had got his Seed at the last possible moment. The Gardener before him had wanted to give their people the best possible chance to survive. The Gardener that had interacted with Darin wanted Darin to have the best possible chance of saving the people. There was no right and wrong answer in that regard. Every Gardener had simply done the very best they could.
Still Darin had no time to think of that now. She let out a laugh as she led Ridahne through the paces of the dance she had rarely danced before. She laughed as Ridahne led her though the dance of the Azurei people. Darin was one move behind the entire time, but no one seemed to care. When that was done Darin didn’t sit down. Instead she kept dancing. A Siren woman let the human copy the movements of a graceful fluid dance that Darin was honestly too jerky for. An Elf that didn’t look like Ravi or Ridahne tossed her about in a radically different dance. Darin was far to clumsy to ever become proficient at that one. The human jig was a little better. No matter how well or not well Darin danced she danced every dance anyone was willing to help her with. She laughed the entire time. Finally, she had to beg off the next dance just because she needed to breath. She fell into the closest chair as she started to clap in tune with the songs.
Then a strange hush fell over the air. Darin knew at once what was happening. She pulled her knees up under her shin as her eyes locked on to where the musicians were. The music slowly shifted from encouraging dancing to a tune more suited to listening too. Many dancers just collapsed where they were to kneel or sit cross legged. The evening was winding down. Ravi came to sit next to her. He pushed a cup of hot tea into her hands. In fact, many people were being given or retrieving hot drinks. The music wasn’t necessarily somber, but it wasn’t dancing music. Darin closed her eyes to let the pure story sweep over her. She paused when the music stopped longer than what was required to change songs. She almost fell out of her chair when she saw every pair of eyes on her.
Ravi quietly asked, “Do you play Seed-Bearer?”
Darin smiled tightly, “Not as well as anyone here.” She was hoping she wouldn’t have to, “Not as well as anyone else I know.”
Ravi shook his head once, “That is not what I asked Seed-Bearer.”
He waited as Darin squirmed. Then she broke, “It’s in my bag. I would have to get it and I don’t want.”
She didn’t get to finish as Ravi bent to pick up something beside his chair. It was the case for her instrument. She sighed as she stood up. It appeared that the Overseer wouldn’t let her ger out of this. She briefly wondered if she could ask Ridahne to rescue her, but she didn’t think that was fair. She reached for and received the case. The case was placed on the table, and then opened. Darin pulled out the only thing that belong to her father that was left behind. She would have liked to burn it. Her mother insisted she use it. Darin stood slightly away from the table as she tucked the fiddle that was sized for travel, under her skin. Then after carefully tuning it and a quick look to see if Ridahne would heard this, the Seed-Bearer began.
She had been correct. All the over musicians in the room had both more talent and more practice than she did. She still played as best she could. She had no song in mind and as such played in such a manner that could only be called, “from the heart.” The result was a slow, almost haunting melody, with moments of lighter bounce. Darin closed her eyes as she continued. Other than her instrument the room was silent. Darin almost wished someone would start singing or playing something else. She wasn’t sure she could ask though.
Then Ravi’s whisper almost caused her to lose her place, “I know you sing Ridahne. So, sing for us now. Sing as The Seed-Bearer plays. Sing us your heart.”
Still Darin had no time to think of that now. She let out a laugh as she led Ridahne through the paces of the dance she had rarely danced before. She laughed as Ridahne led her though the dance of the Azurei people. Darin was one move behind the entire time, but no one seemed to care. When that was done Darin didn’t sit down. Instead she kept dancing. A Siren woman let the human copy the movements of a graceful fluid dance that Darin was honestly too jerky for. An Elf that didn’t look like Ravi or Ridahne tossed her about in a radically different dance. Darin was far to clumsy to ever become proficient at that one. The human jig was a little better. No matter how well or not well Darin danced she danced every dance anyone was willing to help her with. She laughed the entire time. Finally, she had to beg off the next dance just because she needed to breath. She fell into the closest chair as she started to clap in tune with the songs.
Then a strange hush fell over the air. Darin knew at once what was happening. She pulled her knees up under her shin as her eyes locked on to where the musicians were. The music slowly shifted from encouraging dancing to a tune more suited to listening too. Many dancers just collapsed where they were to kneel or sit cross legged. The evening was winding down. Ravi came to sit next to her. He pushed a cup of hot tea into her hands. In fact, many people were being given or retrieving hot drinks. The music wasn’t necessarily somber, but it wasn’t dancing music. Darin closed her eyes to let the pure story sweep over her. She paused when the music stopped longer than what was required to change songs. She almost fell out of her chair when she saw every pair of eyes on her.
Ravi quietly asked, “Do you play Seed-Bearer?”
Darin smiled tightly, “Not as well as anyone here.” She was hoping she wouldn’t have to, “Not as well as anyone else I know.”
Ravi shook his head once, “That is not what I asked Seed-Bearer.”
He waited as Darin squirmed. Then she broke, “It’s in my bag. I would have to get it and I don’t want.”
She didn’t get to finish as Ravi bent to pick up something beside his chair. It was the case for her instrument. She sighed as she stood up. It appeared that the Overseer wouldn’t let her ger out of this. She briefly wondered if she could ask Ridahne to rescue her, but she didn’t think that was fair. She reached for and received the case. The case was placed on the table, and then opened. Darin pulled out the only thing that belong to her father that was left behind. She would have liked to burn it. Her mother insisted she use it. Darin stood slightly away from the table as she tucked the fiddle that was sized for travel, under her skin. Then after carefully tuning it and a quick look to see if Ridahne would heard this, the Seed-Bearer began.
She had been correct. All the over musicians in the room had both more talent and more practice than she did. She still played as best she could. She had no song in mind and as such played in such a manner that could only be called, “from the heart.” The result was a slow, almost haunting melody, with moments of lighter bounce. Darin closed her eyes as she continued. Other than her instrument the room was silent. Darin almost wished someone would start singing or playing something else. She wasn’t sure she could ask though.
Then Ravi’s whisper almost caused her to lose her place, “I know you sing Ridahne. So, sing for us now. Sing as The Seed-Bearer plays. Sing us your heart.”
As Darin approached the main Farmhouse Talbot practically bucked her off. She laughed at the horse. On of the Workers came to take Talbot away to be taken care of. Darin herself was led to a hot bath. Darin let out a sigh as she finally got the chance to clean up three and half months of grime. She felt so much better when it was done. There was even a Worker there who cut her hair. The young Seed-Bear was given a set of clothes that were just a tad to big for her. She smiled down at the practical uniform of the Workers. The knees of the pants were reinforced and the whole thing was made of light colors. She put her own boots on and followed the sound of cheerful voices to the location of the feast. As she entered the room all the voices stopped as their owners turned to look at her. She waved, unsure if that was the right course of action.
Ravi stood from his place at the front table, “Darin Seed-Bearer, come.” He indicated a seat next to him, “sit here.” As she did so, he told the crowd, “Tonight we celebrate the life of the Gardener and celebrate the arrival of Darin. Tonight is, bittersweet yes, but also joyous. So, we celebrate!”
A giant cheer filled the air and then the celebration began. Darin watched for a minute. It reminded her of the celebrations she had been a part of back home. People chattered to each other as they ate simple foods made in a Farmhouse kitchen. Darin looked over the food laid out to recognize some of her favorites. She did not recognize others. Despite the fact that she was the guest of honor this feast felt like home. She took some of her favorites as Ravi smiled at her. She smiled back as started to eat. She was starting to relax for the first time on this trip. No one talked to her, but if that was similar to home as well. The only thing missing was the dancing, but she figured that would come later.
Ridahne finally came in and Darin found herself smiling widely at the Elf, “Sit down!” Darin pressed a plate into the Elf’s hand, “Have something to eat! I tried some new things. I’m not sure what they are, but they taste fabulous. I don’t really feel uncomfortable because this is more like home. It is odd that people aren’t talking with me because I’m the guest of honor rather than the outcast, but it’s not much different.”
Ravi looked over at the one nervous girl and the one girl who look more at home than ever, “This isn’t like feasts you have in the courts of the Sols young Ridahne. This may be The Farm, but it is still just a farm.”
Darin laughed, “So there’s nothing to worry about! If you feel uncomfortable, we can change that! There’s food Ravi says come from Azurei. It wasn’t bad, but it was a little spicy. My mouth still feels hot. I’m hoping there’s dancing.”
Darin actually felt a little tipsy as giggled. She wasn’t sure that was in her cup, but she was willing to bet it wasn’t juice like she thought it was. It probably had some alcohol in it. At least she thought it had alcohol. It was making her giggly, and that was a new experience for her. She reached for her cup only to find that it was missing. She scowled up at Ravi who only smiled back at her.
The Overseer spoke simply, “That is enough for you my dear Darin.” He handed her a cup of something else, “Let’s see if we can get you sober again.”
Darin didn’t say anything, but she did nod. There was plenty of food, so she ate whatever looked interesting. In fact, she was probably eating far too much, but it seemed like a such a waste to just let the food go to waste. She people watched, waved at people who turned to look at her, and kept putting things on Ridahne’s plate that she had liked and thought the Elf should try. After the last few months, and after today’s revelations, Darin was glad for the chance to not have to worry about anything. Then the music started. She listened and watched the dancers with a cheerfully smile and laugh. Then the music changed. Darin knew this song! And she knew how to dance to it, sort of. She stood suddenly.
She exclaimed loud enough for all to hear her, “Yes!” Then she turned to hold out a hand to Ridahne, “Come dance with me! This one needs a partner!”
Ravi stood from his place at the front table, “Darin Seed-Bearer, come.” He indicated a seat next to him, “sit here.” As she did so, he told the crowd, “Tonight we celebrate the life of the Gardener and celebrate the arrival of Darin. Tonight is, bittersweet yes, but also joyous. So, we celebrate!”
A giant cheer filled the air and then the celebration began. Darin watched for a minute. It reminded her of the celebrations she had been a part of back home. People chattered to each other as they ate simple foods made in a Farmhouse kitchen. Darin looked over the food laid out to recognize some of her favorites. She did not recognize others. Despite the fact that she was the guest of honor this feast felt like home. She took some of her favorites as Ravi smiled at her. She smiled back as started to eat. She was starting to relax for the first time on this trip. No one talked to her, but if that was similar to home as well. The only thing missing was the dancing, but she figured that would come later.
Ridahne finally came in and Darin found herself smiling widely at the Elf, “Sit down!” Darin pressed a plate into the Elf’s hand, “Have something to eat! I tried some new things. I’m not sure what they are, but they taste fabulous. I don’t really feel uncomfortable because this is more like home. It is odd that people aren’t talking with me because I’m the guest of honor rather than the outcast, but it’s not much different.”
Ravi looked over at the one nervous girl and the one girl who look more at home than ever, “This isn’t like feasts you have in the courts of the Sols young Ridahne. This may be The Farm, but it is still just a farm.”
Darin laughed, “So there’s nothing to worry about! If you feel uncomfortable, we can change that! There’s food Ravi says come from Azurei. It wasn’t bad, but it was a little spicy. My mouth still feels hot. I’m hoping there’s dancing.”
Darin actually felt a little tipsy as giggled. She wasn’t sure that was in her cup, but she was willing to bet it wasn’t juice like she thought it was. It probably had some alcohol in it. At least she thought it had alcohol. It was making her giggly, and that was a new experience for her. She reached for her cup only to find that it was missing. She scowled up at Ravi who only smiled back at her.
The Overseer spoke simply, “That is enough for you my dear Darin.” He handed her a cup of something else, “Let’s see if we can get you sober again.”
Darin didn’t say anything, but she did nod. There was plenty of food, so she ate whatever looked interesting. In fact, she was probably eating far too much, but it seemed like a such a waste to just let the food go to waste. She people watched, waved at people who turned to look at her, and kept putting things on Ridahne’s plate that she had liked and thought the Elf should try. After the last few months, and after today’s revelations, Darin was glad for the chance to not have to worry about anything. Then the music started. She listened and watched the dancers with a cheerfully smile and laugh. Then the music changed. Darin knew this song! And she knew how to dance to it, sort of. She stood suddenly.
She exclaimed loud enough for all to hear her, “Yes!” Then she turned to hold out a hand to Ridahne, “Come dance with me! This one needs a partner!”
Ravi smiled at the young Elf, “Visons are remarkable things. They are always possible.” He, “They may even come to past, but not in the way you expect.” He let the girl, “Go and think. Be sure and remember to join us for the celebration.”
As he watched the Elf walk off her felt the human come and join him on horseback. The Seed-Bearer asked, “Will she be alright?”
Ravi sighed, “Perhaps. That is for her to decide.” Then he grew serious as he turned to look at the young human, “And so, Darin, you know the truth. What do you make of it?”
Darin sighed as she looked back towards The Tree, “Yes. I do know the truth. It is not a truth I wish to know.”
Ravi felt obligated to point out, “Truth is not something we often want to know. Lies bring comfort. Truth only brings reality. Yet you have never shied from truth.”
Darin turned her attention back to The Overseer, “No I haven’t. It doesn’t always bring despair. Sometimes it brings joy beyond measure.”
Ravi laughed lightly at that, “That is truth as well.”
Darin sighed, “I don’t know if I should tell Ridahne or not.”
Ravi shook his head, “I would not advise it.” He held up a hand to silent the human’s protest, “She is not your friend. You may wish to be her friend, you maybe her friend at some point, but you two are not friends yet.”
Darin was insistent, “I want to be her friend. She’s just so … prickly.” Darin quickly pointed out, “Not that I’m any better. I’ve never really wanted friends before, so I don’t have a lot of practice in making them.”
Ravi nodded in agreement, “True. But there’s no time like the present to start getting that practice.”
The girl couldn’t help but ask, “How do I start? Or rather what do I now? I already started. I did so badly.”
Ravi laughed again, “Just be yourself Darin. That’s all you can do.”
Darin grew exasperated, “I am a farmer! Not even a very good one. I have no idea how to be myself on the road. It’s not like my skills are useful on the road.” She pointed in the same direction Ridahne had left in, “At least she can fight! That’s useful!” She was just about ready to start shouting, “I spent the first three months of this journey lost! That’s not even a metaphor. I literally had no idea where I was.”
Ravi raise a carefully arched eyebrow, “You can’t tell me you are completely useless. Your farming knowledge is how you understand the truth so well. You might not have useful skills for the journey, but your skills will be in high demand at the end of it.” Ravi was blunt, “Besides; your ability to speak your mind will serve you well. You will have to convince others of the truth at some point.”
The human scoffed, “This whole journey is a quest to make as many friends as possible. I have no practice doing that. I think I said that already.”
Ravi nodded, “You did. Which is why you need to practice. Think of it. If you can make friends with Ridahne you could probably make friends with everyone.”
Darin laughed lightly, “Not everyone. Not everyone wants to be friends.”
The Overseer agreed, “True. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.”
The Seed-Bearer let out a nasty laugh, “That’s all I can do right; try. Never mind the fact that if I fail all of Astra’s people will fall into to delicious ruin. Failing isn’t an option. It never was an option, and with reality being the way it is it is even less of an option than it was then. There will be no do overs or second chances. I have one chance, one hope, one option. I can’t afford to merely try. I have to succeeded and I have to succeed magnificently, and I can’t even make one friend!”
Darin’s voice had been increasing in volume and agitation. It was clear that she was not happy with the current state of events. The job had seemed so much easier when all she had to do was plant The Seed. It was so much bigger than that now. It had always been bigger than that, but The Gardener had refrained from telling the young girl that. Darin wasn’t sure that she liked him for that. The Gardener was supposed to be wise and all-knowing. That was probably why he hadn’t told Darin the full truth. She might have stayed home to let Astra fall into ruin. She had never wanted to leave home in the first place. Now she had to go farther than she every even thought possible.
Ravi felt compelled to point out, “You are not alone Darin. You have allies.”
Darin laughed again at that, “And the only one of them that sees me for what I am and nothing more is the horse that I borrowed that may or may not be a creature of myth and legend.”
Ravi’s voice left no room for question, “Or maybe, Darin, you are the one that does not see yourself for what you are. True, you ae a farm girl way out of your depth. That is true.” His sharp voice softened just a touch, “But you are still The Seed-Bearer. That is not an office or a performance. It could only be you. It is who you are; the same way you are a farmer.”
Darin had been shocked into silence. Her mouth opened a few times only to close. It was clear that she had no idea what to say or how to say it. She was at a complete and total lost. She didn’t know what that could even possibly mean. She wasn’t sure that she wanted to know what that could mean. Could being The Seed-Bearer be more than just some assignment. She wasn’t sure. Darin let out a shuddering breathe. Could Ravi be telling the truth? Could it really only be her?
Ravi smiled again, “Think about it, young Darin. I have to go finish final preparations for the feast. You think. I’ll send some one to get you when it’s time.”
With that Darin was left alone as Ravi walked off. She stared after him, and then flipped her gaze back to The Tree. Whether Ravi was right or not about her being the only one, she was The Seed-Bearer now. Maybe she should stop acting like it was a glorious burden and start actin like it was the magnificent honor everybody else seemed to think it was. It was probably somewhere in the middle, and Darin wasn’t even sure what to make of that. How was she supposed to be The Seed-Bearer the same way she was a farmer when she didn’t feel like The Seed-Bearer at all? Then again, she hadn’t felt like a farmer at first either. Maybe Ravi was slightly wrong, maybe. Maybe she wasn’t a person that could be The Seed-Bearer yet. But maybe, just maybe, she could grow into it. Darin thought about that. Maybe she should do that instead of scoffing at the notion that she was nothing special. Maybe she should actively work on become what everybody else thought her to be.
As he watched the Elf walk off her felt the human come and join him on horseback. The Seed-Bearer asked, “Will she be alright?”
Ravi sighed, “Perhaps. That is for her to decide.” Then he grew serious as he turned to look at the young human, “And so, Darin, you know the truth. What do you make of it?”
Darin sighed as she looked back towards The Tree, “Yes. I do know the truth. It is not a truth I wish to know.”
Ravi felt obligated to point out, “Truth is not something we often want to know. Lies bring comfort. Truth only brings reality. Yet you have never shied from truth.”
Darin turned her attention back to The Overseer, “No I haven’t. It doesn’t always bring despair. Sometimes it brings joy beyond measure.”
Ravi laughed lightly at that, “That is truth as well.”
Darin sighed, “I don’t know if I should tell Ridahne or not.”
Ravi shook his head, “I would not advise it.” He held up a hand to silent the human’s protest, “She is not your friend. You may wish to be her friend, you maybe her friend at some point, but you two are not friends yet.”
Darin was insistent, “I want to be her friend. She’s just so … prickly.” Darin quickly pointed out, “Not that I’m any better. I’ve never really wanted friends before, so I don’t have a lot of practice in making them.”
Ravi nodded in agreement, “True. But there’s no time like the present to start getting that practice.”
The girl couldn’t help but ask, “How do I start? Or rather what do I now? I already started. I did so badly.”
Ravi laughed again, “Just be yourself Darin. That’s all you can do.”
Darin grew exasperated, “I am a farmer! Not even a very good one. I have no idea how to be myself on the road. It’s not like my skills are useful on the road.” She pointed in the same direction Ridahne had left in, “At least she can fight! That’s useful!” She was just about ready to start shouting, “I spent the first three months of this journey lost! That’s not even a metaphor. I literally had no idea where I was.”
Ravi raise a carefully arched eyebrow, “You can’t tell me you are completely useless. Your farming knowledge is how you understand the truth so well. You might not have useful skills for the journey, but your skills will be in high demand at the end of it.” Ravi was blunt, “Besides; your ability to speak your mind will serve you well. You will have to convince others of the truth at some point.”
The human scoffed, “This whole journey is a quest to make as many friends as possible. I have no practice doing that. I think I said that already.”
Ravi nodded, “You did. Which is why you need to practice. Think of it. If you can make friends with Ridahne you could probably make friends with everyone.”
Darin laughed lightly, “Not everyone. Not everyone wants to be friends.”
The Overseer agreed, “True. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.”
The Seed-Bearer let out a nasty laugh, “That’s all I can do right; try. Never mind the fact that if I fail all of Astra’s people will fall into to delicious ruin. Failing isn’t an option. It never was an option, and with reality being the way it is it is even less of an option than it was then. There will be no do overs or second chances. I have one chance, one hope, one option. I can’t afford to merely try. I have to succeeded and I have to succeed magnificently, and I can’t even make one friend!”
Darin’s voice had been increasing in volume and agitation. It was clear that she was not happy with the current state of events. The job had seemed so much easier when all she had to do was plant The Seed. It was so much bigger than that now. It had always been bigger than that, but The Gardener had refrained from telling the young girl that. Darin wasn’t sure that she liked him for that. The Gardener was supposed to be wise and all-knowing. That was probably why he hadn’t told Darin the full truth. She might have stayed home to let Astra fall into ruin. She had never wanted to leave home in the first place. Now she had to go farther than she every even thought possible.
Ravi felt compelled to point out, “You are not alone Darin. You have allies.”
Darin laughed again at that, “And the only one of them that sees me for what I am and nothing more is the horse that I borrowed that may or may not be a creature of myth and legend.”
Ravi’s voice left no room for question, “Or maybe, Darin, you are the one that does not see yourself for what you are. True, you ae a farm girl way out of your depth. That is true.” His sharp voice softened just a touch, “But you are still The Seed-Bearer. That is not an office or a performance. It could only be you. It is who you are; the same way you are a farmer.”
Darin had been shocked into silence. Her mouth opened a few times only to close. It was clear that she had no idea what to say or how to say it. She was at a complete and total lost. She didn’t know what that could even possibly mean. She wasn’t sure that she wanted to know what that could mean. Could being The Seed-Bearer be more than just some assignment. She wasn’t sure. Darin let out a shuddering breathe. Could Ravi be telling the truth? Could it really only be her?
Ravi smiled again, “Think about it, young Darin. I have to go finish final preparations for the feast. You think. I’ll send some one to get you when it’s time.”
With that Darin was left alone as Ravi walked off. She stared after him, and then flipped her gaze back to The Tree. Whether Ravi was right or not about her being the only one, she was The Seed-Bearer now. Maybe she should stop acting like it was a glorious burden and start actin like it was the magnificent honor everybody else seemed to think it was. It was probably somewhere in the middle, and Darin wasn’t even sure what to make of that. How was she supposed to be The Seed-Bearer the same way she was a farmer when she didn’t feel like The Seed-Bearer at all? Then again, she hadn’t felt like a farmer at first either. Maybe Ravi was slightly wrong, maybe. Maybe she wasn’t a person that could be The Seed-Bearer yet. But maybe, just maybe, she could grow into it. Darin thought about that. Maybe she should do that instead of scoffing at the notion that she was nothing special. Maybe she should actively work on become what everybody else thought her to be.
Have a bump before I go to bed. BUMP!
Ravi did not look at who he was speaking to as he continued, “You do know that the story you have just told me parallels with our dear Seed-Bearer’s rather closely correct? She may not be an orphan as you are, but she did lose one parent to heartbreak and another for reasons unknown at age fifteen. She was considered unladylike and disruptive by those who oversaw her life. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a personage of high power and honor came to thrust her into a life of high honor and prestige that she is simply not prepared for. Tell me that does not sound familiar and I will laugh you to scorn.” He turned to smile at the warrior, “Perhaps you should stop looking at the differences betwixt you two and start looking at what is the same. Perhaps then you can discover a way for the two of you to start a friendship.”
Ravi was not trying to make Ridahne feel bad for not seeing the similarities even if they were painfully obvious to him. The two girls were simply to close to see clearly. The humans had a phase, “cannot see the forest for the tree,” that came to mind. He was also will to wager that the two of them were stuck in the circle of their own thoughts and couldn’t find a way out on their own. What Ridahne implied was correct; it would not be easy to travel together if they loathed each other. They would have to at least make peace between themselves if they ever wanted to move forward.
Ravi continued, “As for your sorrow, you are correct, it does define you. That does not mean you should let it consume you or you will drown in it. I doubt that is something you, though to be painfully blunt, you are coming dangerously close to it. It will not do to always let your emotions get the best of you; especially if you are traveling with someone who keeps her emotions so tightly wound up that she does not know what to do when when yours overwhelm her.” Ravi knelt down to take the young Elf’s hands in his, “You were chosen for this task for a reason. That reason is to help Darin; not just as the Seed-Bearer, but as Darin as well. The Seed-Bearer is not a title or office like being Eija or Overseer. To be The Seed-Bearer is to be a person and you must treat her as such. To be The Seed-Bearer is to have the potential to become a person beyond doubt and question. To be The Seed-Bearer is to be able to grow into pure magnificence; to grow to be The Gardener. She is not there yet Ridahne, and that is your job; to help that seed of potential grow into the stunning tree it can be. That will not happen if you cannot learn to see beyond yourself the way she is struggling to do. You need to be better than what you are. You need to be you. It won’t be easy, but it will be good.” He softly traced the black mark that marred the Azurei’s face, “You need to stop thinking that you are this, and remember,” His hand moved from her face to her heart, “that you are this. That is all she is trying to see. But she will not see it if you do not live it. Do you understand Ridahne Torzinei?”
-
Darin looked up as Talbot paused. She was curious as to why they stopped. Then she saw Ridahne on the ground. It looked like Ravi was comforting her. The young human wanted to make sure that her traveling companion was alright, but it looked like a private conversation. Slowly the animals pulled a way to go back to their lives. The butterfly stayed on Darin’s nose, but she hardly noticed. She was more concerned with Ridahne. She was desperately hoping that Ravi was scolding her because of the things that she had told him. That wouldn’t be fair at all. Darin absently waved at Mitaja in order to send the hunting cat to the warrior. Who knew if that would work?
Ravi was not trying to make Ridahne feel bad for not seeing the similarities even if they were painfully obvious to him. The two girls were simply to close to see clearly. The humans had a phase, “cannot see the forest for the tree,” that came to mind. He was also will to wager that the two of them were stuck in the circle of their own thoughts and couldn’t find a way out on their own. What Ridahne implied was correct; it would not be easy to travel together if they loathed each other. They would have to at least make peace between themselves if they ever wanted to move forward.
Ravi continued, “As for your sorrow, you are correct, it does define you. That does not mean you should let it consume you or you will drown in it. I doubt that is something you, though to be painfully blunt, you are coming dangerously close to it. It will not do to always let your emotions get the best of you; especially if you are traveling with someone who keeps her emotions so tightly wound up that she does not know what to do when when yours overwhelm her.” Ravi knelt down to take the young Elf’s hands in his, “You were chosen for this task for a reason. That reason is to help Darin; not just as the Seed-Bearer, but as Darin as well. The Seed-Bearer is not a title or office like being Eija or Overseer. To be The Seed-Bearer is to be a person and you must treat her as such. To be The Seed-Bearer is to have the potential to become a person beyond doubt and question. To be The Seed-Bearer is to be able to grow into pure magnificence; to grow to be The Gardener. She is not there yet Ridahne, and that is your job; to help that seed of potential grow into the stunning tree it can be. That will not happen if you cannot learn to see beyond yourself the way she is struggling to do. You need to be better than what you are. You need to be you. It won’t be easy, but it will be good.” He softly traced the black mark that marred the Azurei’s face, “You need to stop thinking that you are this, and remember,” His hand moved from her face to her heart, “that you are this. That is all she is trying to see. But she will not see it if you do not live it. Do you understand Ridahne Torzinei?”
-
Darin looked up as Talbot paused. She was curious as to why they stopped. Then she saw Ridahne on the ground. It looked like Ravi was comforting her. The young human wanted to make sure that her traveling companion was alright, but it looked like a private conversation. Slowly the animals pulled a way to go back to their lives. The butterfly stayed on Darin’s nose, but she hardly noticed. She was more concerned with Ridahne. She was desperately hoping that Ravi was scolding her because of the things that she had told him. That wouldn’t be fair at all. Darin absently waved at Mitaja in order to send the hunting cat to the warrior. Who knew if that would work?
Ravi did not judge. He could not judge. The two girls, who were both young in his mind’s eyes, had suffered from a lack of communication. One of them had to take the first step. He did not know which one it would be. He did not think it would be Darin. She was so terrified of doing something wrong and upsetting Ridahne again that she might be inclined to just suffer in silence. Ridahne was so sure of her own suffering that it seemed that she was incapable of seeing the suffering of others. One concerned with doing right for their own sake, the other concerned with doing right for the sake of the others, both failing at it in a manner so spectacular fantastic they had to be youths with rampart emotions. He could not tell either one of them what to do, He had a feeling they might not listen to him anyways. He could only offer advice and hoped that it did some small measure of good.
He spoke with out malice. There was only a deep understanding in his voice, “Imagine for a moment, Ridahne, that you were not here as an exile. That you still received the vision that sent you here, to Darin’s side, but you had committed no crime. As such you were sent on assignment from the Solta-Sol herself; commanded to bring honor to all of Azurei and The Seed-Bearer and you were given full honors as you left. How do you think your actions would change? Would you treat Darin any differently than you do now? Would you currently be on the ground weeping in despair because of your own sorrow?”
Ravi was hoping to make a point. It was not a point he thought would be easy to make. It had to do with that fact, that whether she meant to or not, Darin had made Ridahne Seed-Chained. Being Chained to The Tree was a bittersweet honor. He imagined being Chained to The Seed was similar. It was definitely punishment, but it was punishment with the hope of redemption. Unlike the mark on the Azurei’s face being released from being Chained was not only possible, it was the end goal. It was supposed to be a mark of shame during the duration; a lack of freedom, an almost silent condemnation, that turned into a badge of pride upon being released; a sense of accomplishment, a knowledge that you were better now than you were then. Ravi did not think that either girl would understand this simple fact at this point of their lives. He could hope to put them on the right path.
-
Talbot returned to the Main Farmhouse slowly. In fact, Darin was convinced that he was taking a less than direct route. That was alright. She needed to collect herself before she returned to Ridahne. She couldn’t let her sorrow and despair get in the way of mending the gap in their relationship. She wasn’t sure it was possible, but she had to try. The Tree had managed to give her a better understanding of what being Seed-Chained meant. Darin wasn’t sure she understood it fully, but she understood that if Ridahne failed at being Seed-Chained, she would never make it home to die. Darin was the one to say the words with out knowing what they meant. As such it was her job to see that Ridahne had the easiest possible time to do that job. It would not do to always being running off from her.
Darin slowly sat up on Talbot’s back. There were no people, but there were animals aplenty. Darin ahd a better understanding of what they saw in her. A bee came over to land on her finger. A butterfly landed on her nose. A mouser cat came and walked besides Mitaja. Darin was not surprised at that the hunter cat let the smaller cat near. They were both similar, and they both knew that neither would hurt The Seed-Bearer. A sheep dog came up the other side of Talbot. A wild hawk flew overhead. As they passed a small stream the fish got as close as they could. A frog jumped on to Talbot’s leg and onto his backside. It was a strange procession. All the animals were silent; quiet they knew The Seed-Bearer wanted, companionship they knew she needed.
He spoke with out malice. There was only a deep understanding in his voice, “Imagine for a moment, Ridahne, that you were not here as an exile. That you still received the vision that sent you here, to Darin’s side, but you had committed no crime. As such you were sent on assignment from the Solta-Sol herself; commanded to bring honor to all of Azurei and The Seed-Bearer and you were given full honors as you left. How do you think your actions would change? Would you treat Darin any differently than you do now? Would you currently be on the ground weeping in despair because of your own sorrow?”
Ravi was hoping to make a point. It was not a point he thought would be easy to make. It had to do with that fact, that whether she meant to or not, Darin had made Ridahne Seed-Chained. Being Chained to The Tree was a bittersweet honor. He imagined being Chained to The Seed was similar. It was definitely punishment, but it was punishment with the hope of redemption. Unlike the mark on the Azurei’s face being released from being Chained was not only possible, it was the end goal. It was supposed to be a mark of shame during the duration; a lack of freedom, an almost silent condemnation, that turned into a badge of pride upon being released; a sense of accomplishment, a knowledge that you were better now than you were then. Ravi did not think that either girl would understand this simple fact at this point of their lives. He could hope to put them on the right path.
-
Talbot returned to the Main Farmhouse slowly. In fact, Darin was convinced that he was taking a less than direct route. That was alright. She needed to collect herself before she returned to Ridahne. She couldn’t let her sorrow and despair get in the way of mending the gap in their relationship. She wasn’t sure it was possible, but she had to try. The Tree had managed to give her a better understanding of what being Seed-Chained meant. Darin wasn’t sure she understood it fully, but she understood that if Ridahne failed at being Seed-Chained, she would never make it home to die. Darin was the one to say the words with out knowing what they meant. As such it was her job to see that Ridahne had the easiest possible time to do that job. It would not do to always being running off from her.
Darin slowly sat up on Talbot’s back. There were no people, but there were animals aplenty. Darin ahd a better understanding of what they saw in her. A bee came over to land on her finger. A butterfly landed on her nose. A mouser cat came and walked besides Mitaja. Darin was not surprised at that the hunter cat let the smaller cat near. They were both similar, and they both knew that neither would hurt The Seed-Bearer. A sheep dog came up the other side of Talbot. A wild hawk flew overhead. As they passed a small stream the fish got as close as they could. A frog jumped on to Talbot’s leg and onto his backside. It was a strange procession. All the animals were silent; quiet they knew The Seed-Bearer wanted, companionship they knew she needed.
As Ridahne and Tax spoke to each other workers would come in and out of the room. They were excited as they chattered with each other and with Tax. The Seed-Bearer had finally made it to them! She was incredible! She looked like she could be one of them. She was everything they had hoped for and more. She was pretty and all the animals liked her! The reactions varied from person to person. Some of the younger Workers practically danced as they laughed and sang the news and joyfully relayed the wonderful gossip. Some were more sedate, but even their pure unrefined joy came shining though their eyes. Darin! The Seed-Bearer! She was here! They had to get ready! There would be a feast tonight! They had to celebrate.
Then a new conversation started to circulate, “I heard The Seed-Bearer tell Ravi that the Gardener died as soon as he gave her The Seed.”
“We knew he was dead. He sent no more messages. He didn’t come home. Pax did.”
“And then Pax died too.”
“His body? What did they do with his body?”
“I overheard her say that he was buried in the custom of her village. They burry their dead so when the bodies decompose, they can nourish the crops. There is a ceremony. The Gardener was buried under her farm.”
“You mean her family’s farm?”
“Ravi asked that too. She insisted that it was her farm.”
“If the body was somehow returned, we would have buried The Gardener at The Tree’s Roots. It seems fitting that he was buried to help her crops grow.”
“She did no wrong! At least not in this regard. Tonight, at the feast we will honor The Gardener as we honor The Seed-Bearer. It is only fitting.”
“Yes! It is.”
The excitement did not leave the air though the atmosphere grew more somber. It was a bittersweet day. The Seed-Bearer was here, and that was glorious! Yet, she brought news of The Gardener’s passing. The Workers missed him dearly. He had been like a father or grandfather to them all. He had lived a long life, longer than anyone else in Astra. His passing still brought tears of sorrow to many eyes. That did not halt the preparations for the meal. They still had to celebrate The Seed-Bearer’s arrival. They had to celebrate The Gardener’s life. There was much to do!
Meanwhile Ravi and Darin walked slowly to towards The Tree. Talbot flicked his reins at Darin until she finally just took hold of them in exasperation. Mitaja weaved in and out of the two people’s legs; causing both of them to laugh from time to time. Ravi felt so good that Darin found her baring her soul to him. In the short walk he learned everything she had told Ridahne and more. He learned of her father’s betrayal. He learned of her town’s treatment of her and of Thomas’s and Milla’s loyalty. He learned how she felt woefully unprepared for this job, how she felt like she was going to fail in one way or another, how she didn’t feel capable at all. Ravi learned how she didn’t believe in his kind words at about the same time as he learned about the incident with Mark and how Talbot came to be with her. He learned how she thought she was trying her best, but didn’t know that she was because she kept storming off from Ridahne in a huff, how she thought Ridahne had done the right thing doing what she had done to get exiled, (Darin had just enough sense not to spill Ridahne’s secrets. They weren’t hers to give.) but how she didn’t think the Azurei had done the right thing in leaving the man she loved behind to face the consequences alone. Darin relayed how she wasn’t sure she was right to think that, because she knew she didn’t have the whole story. She told him she hadn’t realized that she could Chain Ridahne to The Seed, how she wasn’t sure she should have, or even what being Seed-Chained meant. Ravi learned that The Gardener was dead and how and when he died. The Overseer learned that Darin missed her Mama, her farm, her home, and, just wanted to go home. He learned that even though the young Seed-Bearer knew it wasn’t right she was still going to try and break her father’s nose if she ever saw him again.
Ravi listened intently as he ensured that the clumsily girl didn’t trip as she talked rapidly. His brow furrowed as he frowned in concentration, but the kind look never left his eyes. He hadn’t realized that The Seed-Bearer was so young, even for a human. It was clear that all of these worries and concerns had been bottled up for a long time; perhaps even longer than her current journey. She needed someone to trust who wouldn’t get mad at her and would provide advice only when it was needed. Ravi was far older than he looked; nearing his fifth century. He had been a Worker for all but the first 150 years of his life. He had been the Overseer for close to 100 years. He was honored that Darin had picked him; even if it was just because he was the first truly decent person she had meet when since she had left home. She would not be betrayed by him. The Overseer would hold her trust above all else. That was his job.
When they got to the line of stones marking the border of The Tree, they both paused. Darin seemed nervous so Ravi put both his hands on her shoulders as he looked her in the eye with a smile on his face, “Seed-Bearer. This will not be easy. It will not be communication like you are use to, but I have every faith that you can do this.”
Darin swallowed as she nodded, “Right. Right. I can do this. I can do this.”
Ravi nodded, “I know you can.” He looked quickly at the hunting cat, “Hello little one. Can you watch the barrier to make sure she is not interrupted?” He turned to Talbot, “You should go with her. Bring her to the Farmhouse when she’s done.”
Talbot nodded as Darin exclaimed, “Wait! You’re not staying.”
Ravi pushed her hair out of her eyes, “No young Darin. I have things I must do. You will be alright.”
Darin nodded and she slowly pulled away from the Overseer. She paused for a moment, but Talbot slowly encouraged her with his nose. Soon she was over the line and headed even closer to The Tree. Ravi watched for a moment before heading back to the Farmhouse. The young human would be busy for a while. That gave him plenty of time to do what he had to do. When he got to the Farmhouse he went straight to where he knew the guardian would be.
He ordered, and his voice left no tone for question, “Walk with me Seed-Chained!” Once they were far enough away from people that Ravi was sure they wouldn’t be heard he asked, “Tell me, Ridahne, how did you come to be Seed-Chained? Not how you came to be with The Seed-Bearer. Tell me what happened during the incident you angered her so much she chained you to The Seed.”
-
Darin walked towards The Tree slowly. She thought that if Talbot wasn’t here, she would just not move. As it was the horse slowly pushed her towards her destination. Darin didn’t feel anything but nervous. It was almost like being summoned to stand in front of the elders without really knowing why. She didn’t think she had done anything wrong. That didn’t mean she was right in that thought. Other than that, it was almost going to go pick apples. The Tree looked like an apple tree. The Apples were bright red. They looked incredible. Soon Darin was under the canopy and standing next to the trunk. The Tree was certainly bigger than any normal apple tree. Darin slowly reached out to place a palm on the rough bark. The moment she did so she was locked into place. She was not even able to blink.
Locked like this, the images rushed through her mind in uncontrolled waves. Each time a stream of pictures came she was terribly confused for the first moment and then they made perfect sense in the next one. Then the next wave would come. As the images came Darin learned. She learned the History of The Tree, and The Tree before that, and the one before that. She learned the Future of The Tree, of her Tree, and the one after that. She learned Futures and Histories of so many Trees that it became one unbroken cycle; the only change being The Gardeners attached to The Tree. She learned the true purpose of The Gardeners and The Seed-Bearers they were first. She learned the truth of this world that turned out to be so much bigger than she thought it was. She learned the truth of the task she had been assigned, why she had been given it so much early then The Gardener had been given his and, the reality of the end of her journey. Most importantly, at least on a personal level, she learned she might go home, but she would never get to stay. The Tree finally released her, and Darin fell to the ground. There she cried and cried until she could cry no more. Even then she sobbed. What she had told Ravi was true. She was so not prepared for this. She never could be. She felt for sure she would fail. She still had to try. If she gave up now the cycle would be broken, and the world, not just Astra would, fall into ruin. At least now she understood why The Seed-Bearer was a farmer instead of a warrior. Only a farmer could understand the dreadful truth behind the situation Astra found themselves in. She still didn’t know why she had been chosen. Their had to be hundreds of better farmers than her out there.
The young human let Talbot push her to a standing position. Then the horse took pity on her and knelt down so she could mount easier. As he rose, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her face into his mane. He slowly walked towards the main Farmhouse. As they crossed the simple stone line Mitaja joined them. Darin just wanted to sleep. This was far too much information for her to deal with right now. She would deal with it, and if she would tell anyone the truth, tomorrow.
Then a new conversation started to circulate, “I heard The Seed-Bearer tell Ravi that the Gardener died as soon as he gave her The Seed.”
“We knew he was dead. He sent no more messages. He didn’t come home. Pax did.”
“And then Pax died too.”
“His body? What did they do with his body?”
“I overheard her say that he was buried in the custom of her village. They burry their dead so when the bodies decompose, they can nourish the crops. There is a ceremony. The Gardener was buried under her farm.”
“You mean her family’s farm?”
“Ravi asked that too. She insisted that it was her farm.”
“If the body was somehow returned, we would have buried The Gardener at The Tree’s Roots. It seems fitting that he was buried to help her crops grow.”
“She did no wrong! At least not in this regard. Tonight, at the feast we will honor The Gardener as we honor The Seed-Bearer. It is only fitting.”
“Yes! It is.”
The excitement did not leave the air though the atmosphere grew more somber. It was a bittersweet day. The Seed-Bearer was here, and that was glorious! Yet, she brought news of The Gardener’s passing. The Workers missed him dearly. He had been like a father or grandfather to them all. He had lived a long life, longer than anyone else in Astra. His passing still brought tears of sorrow to many eyes. That did not halt the preparations for the meal. They still had to celebrate The Seed-Bearer’s arrival. They had to celebrate The Gardener’s life. There was much to do!
Meanwhile Ravi and Darin walked slowly to towards The Tree. Talbot flicked his reins at Darin until she finally just took hold of them in exasperation. Mitaja weaved in and out of the two people’s legs; causing both of them to laugh from time to time. Ravi felt so good that Darin found her baring her soul to him. In the short walk he learned everything she had told Ridahne and more. He learned of her father’s betrayal. He learned of her town’s treatment of her and of Thomas’s and Milla’s loyalty. He learned how she felt woefully unprepared for this job, how she felt like she was going to fail in one way or another, how she didn’t feel capable at all. Ravi learned how she didn’t believe in his kind words at about the same time as he learned about the incident with Mark and how Talbot came to be with her. He learned how she thought she was trying her best, but didn’t know that she was because she kept storming off from Ridahne in a huff, how she thought Ridahne had done the right thing doing what she had done to get exiled, (Darin had just enough sense not to spill Ridahne’s secrets. They weren’t hers to give.) but how she didn’t think the Azurei had done the right thing in leaving the man she loved behind to face the consequences alone. Darin relayed how she wasn’t sure she was right to think that, because she knew she didn’t have the whole story. She told him she hadn’t realized that she could Chain Ridahne to The Seed, how she wasn’t sure she should have, or even what being Seed-Chained meant. Ravi learned that The Gardener was dead and how and when he died. The Overseer learned that Darin missed her Mama, her farm, her home, and, just wanted to go home. He learned that even though the young Seed-Bearer knew it wasn’t right she was still going to try and break her father’s nose if she ever saw him again.
Ravi listened intently as he ensured that the clumsily girl didn’t trip as she talked rapidly. His brow furrowed as he frowned in concentration, but the kind look never left his eyes. He hadn’t realized that The Seed-Bearer was so young, even for a human. It was clear that all of these worries and concerns had been bottled up for a long time; perhaps even longer than her current journey. She needed someone to trust who wouldn’t get mad at her and would provide advice only when it was needed. Ravi was far older than he looked; nearing his fifth century. He had been a Worker for all but the first 150 years of his life. He had been the Overseer for close to 100 years. He was honored that Darin had picked him; even if it was just because he was the first truly decent person she had meet when since she had left home. She would not be betrayed by him. The Overseer would hold her trust above all else. That was his job.
When they got to the line of stones marking the border of The Tree, they both paused. Darin seemed nervous so Ravi put both his hands on her shoulders as he looked her in the eye with a smile on his face, “Seed-Bearer. This will not be easy. It will not be communication like you are use to, but I have every faith that you can do this.”
Darin swallowed as she nodded, “Right. Right. I can do this. I can do this.”
Ravi nodded, “I know you can.” He looked quickly at the hunting cat, “Hello little one. Can you watch the barrier to make sure she is not interrupted?” He turned to Talbot, “You should go with her. Bring her to the Farmhouse when she’s done.”
Talbot nodded as Darin exclaimed, “Wait! You’re not staying.”
Ravi pushed her hair out of her eyes, “No young Darin. I have things I must do. You will be alright.”
Darin nodded and she slowly pulled away from the Overseer. She paused for a moment, but Talbot slowly encouraged her with his nose. Soon she was over the line and headed even closer to The Tree. Ravi watched for a moment before heading back to the Farmhouse. The young human would be busy for a while. That gave him plenty of time to do what he had to do. When he got to the Farmhouse he went straight to where he knew the guardian would be.
He ordered, and his voice left no tone for question, “Walk with me Seed-Chained!” Once they were far enough away from people that Ravi was sure they wouldn’t be heard he asked, “Tell me, Ridahne, how did you come to be Seed-Chained? Not how you came to be with The Seed-Bearer. Tell me what happened during the incident you angered her so much she chained you to The Seed.”
-
Darin walked towards The Tree slowly. She thought that if Talbot wasn’t here, she would just not move. As it was the horse slowly pushed her towards her destination. Darin didn’t feel anything but nervous. It was almost like being summoned to stand in front of the elders without really knowing why. She didn’t think she had done anything wrong. That didn’t mean she was right in that thought. Other than that, it was almost going to go pick apples. The Tree looked like an apple tree. The Apples were bright red. They looked incredible. Soon Darin was under the canopy and standing next to the trunk. The Tree was certainly bigger than any normal apple tree. Darin slowly reached out to place a palm on the rough bark. The moment she did so she was locked into place. She was not even able to blink.
Locked like this, the images rushed through her mind in uncontrolled waves. Each time a stream of pictures came she was terribly confused for the first moment and then they made perfect sense in the next one. Then the next wave would come. As the images came Darin learned. She learned the History of The Tree, and The Tree before that, and the one before that. She learned the Future of The Tree, of her Tree, and the one after that. She learned Futures and Histories of so many Trees that it became one unbroken cycle; the only change being The Gardeners attached to The Tree. She learned the true purpose of The Gardeners and The Seed-Bearers they were first. She learned the truth of this world that turned out to be so much bigger than she thought it was. She learned the truth of the task she had been assigned, why she had been given it so much early then The Gardener had been given his and, the reality of the end of her journey. Most importantly, at least on a personal level, she learned she might go home, but she would never get to stay. The Tree finally released her, and Darin fell to the ground. There she cried and cried until she could cry no more. Even then she sobbed. What she had told Ravi was true. She was so not prepared for this. She never could be. She felt for sure she would fail. She still had to try. If she gave up now the cycle would be broken, and the world, not just Astra would, fall into ruin. At least now she understood why The Seed-Bearer was a farmer instead of a warrior. Only a farmer could understand the dreadful truth behind the situation Astra found themselves in. She still didn’t know why she had been chosen. Their had to be hundreds of better farmers than her out there.
The young human let Talbot push her to a standing position. Then the horse took pity on her and knelt down so she could mount easier. As he rose, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her face into his mane. He slowly walked towards the main Farmhouse. As they crossed the simple stone line Mitaja joined them. Darin just wanted to sleep. This was far too much information for her to deal with right now. She would deal with it, and if she would tell anyone the truth, tomorrow.
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