Soothsayer Blackberry

Half-daughter Epiphany

Soothsayer Blackberry, the Fire Gypsy and fortune-teller of the craven. Years ago on a warm morning, Soothsayer Blackberry's mother gave birth to her in the back of the wagon, her midwife was Phantom Blackberry. Growing up, Soothsayer Blackberry was taken cared for by Phantom Blackberry as she and her family and friends traveled the lands. Soothsayer's mother couldn't keep an eye or catch her all the time due to bad legs. Soothsayer grew up free and wild but Phantom kept a close eye on her and rare;y punished her. Soothsayer learned how to use her powers with the help of Phantom and her mother. Soon, Soothsayer began talking to the souls on the other side and telling people their future. Phantom was very proud of her. Soothsayer Blackberry grew up healthy and beautiful, as the caravan stopped at lands, men would come by to have their fortunes said but mostly to see Soothsayer's beauty. Phantom watched over Soothsayer in case anyone tried to take advantage of her or lure her away to their homes. Soothsayer Blackberry was a good girl and stayed close to Phantom, but Phantom couldn't take the risk of leaving her. Years passed for Soothsayer. One day while hunting for berries, Soothsayer felt an eerie presence and heard the sounds of voices. Soothsayer knew she had stepped onto Holy Ground so she lit a candle, summoning the voices to come to her. From the trees, a man was looking at her. Soothsayer looked up at the man and told hi to come down. The man came to her, on silent feet. Soothsayer Blackberry touched his rough scarred face. "Umlilo..." Soothsayer whispered. Far away, Phantom was calling for Soothsayer. Soothsayer gathered her stuff and looked back at Umlilo who was looking longing at her. Soothsayer promised she'll be back and Umlilo nodded before leaving. Both fell in love at first sight.

Soothsayer visited Umlilo each day on the Holy Grounds. Phantom saw them and was happy for Soothsayer. Umlilo had to stay on the Holy Grounds and Soothsayer had to keep moving. While they were away, Soothsayer thought only of Umlilo and counted the days until they return to the Holy Grounds, the Blackberry Tribe. Umlilo and Soothsayer were indeed a happy pair so Soothsayer's father invited Umlilo one night to a celebration when they were home. That night, Soothsayer's father wedded Umlilo and Soothsayer and gave them the wagon Soothsayer lived in. Everyone in the caravan rejoiced for Umlilo and Soothsayer that night. Phantom gave Soothsayer and Umlilo her blessing before leaving with the caravan in the morning. Soothsayer and Umlilo stayed on the Holy Grounds that night.

By the time Phantom returned, Soothsayer was expecting Umlilo's child. Umlilo and Soothsayer were both so happy that they will have a child soon. The Voices on the Holy Ground were also very happy for Umlilo.

But not Mysterious...

One night, Soothsayer couldn't find Umlilo and Phantom. Something was wrong. outside of her wagon, Soothsayer found a broken hourglass. Before she could pick up the pieces, labor pains struck her. Soothsayer began to worry since she was alone and she prayed it was just a cramp, but it wasn't. Soothsayer was in labor alone in the forest, on the Holy Grounds. The Deceased Gods and Goddesses appeared at Soothsayer's side. The Goddesses stayed with Soothsayer while the Gods searched for Umlilo. Umlilo was trapped in Amagna's power and Death had shattered Soothsayer's hourglass to kill her. Soothsayer was in agony giving birth and she was afraid because she knew she was dying and Umlilo was gone.

Soothsayer died in agony and fear. Her death was painful and full of sadness. The Goddess held the limp cold baby as they looked at deceased Soothsayer. Gently as they could, the Goddesses placed Soothsayer's baby on her body before they clean her bloodied body. The baby began to cry, the Goddess looked each other and at the once dead baby. Hours later, Umlilo ran up asking for Soothsayer. The Goddesses lead him to her still body and the bundle resting in a basket by her. Umlilo held them both as he wept for them. Their son would live a horrible life because Amagna Okubi knew where he was.

Loyal held crying Soothsayer, crying for their misfortune.

Umlilo knew Soothsayer and his son would live a horrible life because Amagna Okubi knew where he was.

But Soothsayer gave her power to her baby before dying. Umlilo gave him the power of Time-Shifting. A gift from Lakas to Fire.

Their son will be okay...

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