Old Friends and Wise Words

As Old Naja walked the young girl off to her reward, she whispered her words of comfort and encouragement to the child, taking her hand and squeezing it kindly. It *was* a shame for the child to die so young, so full of promise. And her spirit shone so brightly! Naja's eyes were dazzled by the child, and her tears of sorrow fell to the soil. Taking the old to the ferry was so much better. They were usually tired, and grateful to have a guide to the afterlife. They understood that their time had at last come, and their rest was at-hand. How could one tell a child that her time was done, before she had even seen life in all its glory?

Naja stopped and stooped down, peering into the girl's eyes. *Child*, she intoned, taking the sad face in her old, old hands. *I know I promised you a ferry ride. But I thought first, you might wish to meet a friend of mine. Will you come with me, child?* Fear and doubt crossed the little face, but eventually she nodded. Naja released her hand and began to walk briskly through the forest, off the beaten path. She knew she could not force or guide the child, or the change would never stick. She had to navigate the brambles and the fear on her own. *Come*, she called, looking back. The girl gave a gulp and started through the dark woods after Naja.

First came a babbling brook, which, as the child approached, grew larger and larger, until it had swelled into a mighty rapid. But as the child looked up and saw Naja hurrying away from her, she panicked and began to wade through the water, which dispelled the illusion. Returned once more to a babbling brook, she was able to cross without difficulty.

Next came a scorched glade, in which blackened bodies sat sadly against burned trunks, their hollowed, dead eyes turning to look at her curiously. She cried out in alarm and made a made dash through the clearing, hotly pursued by the immolated beings. Just as one was about to catch the hem of her tunic, she breached the edge of the clearing, at which the creatures stopped with a disappointed chuffing.

After this came a mighty row between a tremendous stone golem and an even more tremendous air serpent. The battle was brutal and loud, and roamed all through the forest. How was she to get through? Everywhere she looked, they trashed and stumbled through, knocking down trees and smashing boulders. At last, she squared her shoulders, gave a shuddering exhale, and made a dash. As her footsteps advanced on the two, they took notice and stopped their battle, breathing hard and clapping each other on the back. Old friends? Stranger and stranger, she thought. She bowed and continued after Naja, and the contest resumed behind her.

At last the caught up with the old woman, who pointed into a massive hollow in an even more massive oak tree. *She's in there, dear one. You will need courage to meet her, but with Chata of the Woods, you will find what you seek*.

She peered into the inky blackness of the hollow and shuddered. So dark! So deep! But then, she felt comfort and rest radiating out of the blackness. And she really was so tired. One step. Then another. And another. One foot in front of the other, and she entered the hollow. Inside, a motherly voice said *Hello, dear. You who burned so bright, yet so brief. I dare say you didn't get a fair shake, and yet you've been so brave. Welcome back, little one. Welcome back*. *May you find old friends, and speak wise words. Be at peace, Kalashtar*.

Recorded by Aurivit.