Chapter III, Reading 2

Dakra looked pleased.  She'd been hoping the lavender would help.  "Would you mind giving the porridge a stir?  There's nothing worse than scorched porridge."

Flindra's answer was to reach for a spoon and start on the task.  Oatmeal had always been one of her favorite breakfast foods and she looked forward to having a bowl.  Looking around the hearth, she realized that most of her favorite foods were being cooked this morning.  It was going to be a farewell feast.

The door swung opened and the twins rushed to the fire to warm themselves.  It had been a cold walk from the barn.

"Looks like it's going to be a clear day," Leudh announced as he closed the door.  "There's no smell of rain in the wind."

"That's good," Flindra remarked as she looked up from her stirring.  "It will be a chilly enough camp without it being wet too."

"I fed Deru so he will be ready to leave when you are."

"Thanks, Leudh."

"Aunty," Alek said as he turned and looked at Flindra.  "Why do you have to go?"

The question had been asked before but neither one of the boys had been satisfied by her answers.  They had been told of her true identity but they didn't understand why she had to go.

"It's time for me to find some answers to my many questions," she said kindly.  "I can't get those answers here."

"I suppose," Alek agreed reluctantly.

"I won't be gone forever," she continued, privately hoping her words were true.  "Change is always painful, Alek.  I wish I didn't have to go, but I can't pretend I'm a child and stay.  It's just like the little birds when they leave the nest.  They have to leave home before they can really learn how to fly.  I need to do the same."

Alek sighed.  "I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you, too, little one."

Leudh rubbed his fingers through his son's hair and then gave him an affectionate pat on the shoulder.  "Everything will work out for the best.  Flindra will find her answers and begin her journey through life."

"You are part of my life," Flindra continued.  "I will continue to be part of yours."

"I hope so."

"All this talking has made me hungry," Leudh said in a light tone to change the subject.  "I think it's time to enjoy your Grandma's cooking."

"May I have two pieces of ham?" Arek asked.

"I think so," Dakra said with a smile, "but only after you've finished the first."

"Let's eat by the fire," Flindra suggested.  "It's nice and warm here."

"All right," Dakra agreed.

Brehwan and Flindra helped Dakra serve the food and then all grew quiet.

Dakra bowed her head in reverence.  "Beloved Spirit," she said softly.  "Bless this food and all those gathered here today."

"Let it be so," Leudh responded.