orenda-aoc

[orenda-aoc]

Atzel’s Fortress

The clatter of steel on steel was deafening to the ears. The sweat poured down Orenda's face as she healed those in battle. Voldor was taking the brunt force of Atzel's attacks, while Waroth put all his efforts into beating him down, Mialrok was busy throwing spells and healing, and as always Orenda was mainly focused on healing. 

They had gone through Atzel's fortress and taken down all those who may aid Atzel in this final battle. It was a long journey, and they were all tired from the night's efforts. They knew this battle would be fierce for they were so few. 

Orenda feared she might lose them all and it made her work harder then she had in some time. She feared for her fellow knights and her dear friends. There was much blood and sweat as the fight carried on, but they were victorious!

[orenda-aoc]

The Guild Meeting

Orenda had been walking for what seemed like hours, and she was becoming discouraged. She was about to return to the city and give up. She heard a rustling noise behind her, and she was not sure, but if no one were there, they would not respond.

‘Amtexa?’

‘How did you see me? I was trying to be sneaky?’

‘If it makes you feel better I did not see you, just good guessing. I knew Voldar would send out one of our ghosts after me. I also figured it would be the best we have.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I have just one question, and then I will leave you to your business at hand. Do you know where Mufallah is?’

‘Yes, he is just north of here.’

Orenda nodded and continued on her way. Neither Amtexa or herself spoke, they both had a job to do.

Finally, after some time of traveling, Orenda saw Mufallah in the distance. She picked up her pace making all sorts of ruckus on her way. Making sure Mufallah heard her coming so he would not run off in a fury to the next node to gather.

When she was in view she saw him smile at her, ‘Our great priest has returned to us.’

She returned his smile, ‘I was not gone for too long.’

He nodded and looked at her waiting for the reason she came to find him.

‘Aylen has been having visions of some creature coming after one of our knights. She says that it has marked that person as his and he will stop at nothing to get her.’

Mufallah’s face turned to concern, ‘You sure these are not just idle dreams of a child?’

‘I was hoping that’s all it was, but the dreams become more and more real for her and often.’

‘Maybe it is just from her experience with Sardaver.’

‘I thought of that, but she knows the difference between the two.’

He thought for a moment, ‘So what are your plans on this?’

‘I would like to have a guild meeting possibly at the Temple where I can bring this to their attention. Aylen has said she believes the person that is marked already knows from night visits of this creature. I think if they know, we will stand with them; maybe they will come forward.’

‘Then we need to get the guild together at the Temple and speak on this.’

The Temple became stuffy as all the Knights started to come into the Temple. Voldar stood beside Orenda and held her hand. This simple gesture brought her much comfort, and she sighed with relief. She saw Bain and Leo walk in together, and it warmed her heart to see them together, he was ever watchful of her. Leo was all smiles and never once let go of his arm as they walked around the Temple, visiting with the other Knights that had come to this unscheduled meeting. She noticed Tigerus coming in with a new member, and she was all over him, Orenda thought this odd that there be so much affection between two people that do not know each other nearly at all. Something she did not expect from Tigerus.

Once the talk had died down Orenda took the lead and walked to the front of the Temple. She started to tell them of Aylen’s dreams, and she told the Knights she wanted them to be ever watchful of each other and if they did happen to have a nightly visit to please step forward. She wanted all the Knights to know that they stand together in each other’s time of need.

No one came forward, and the meeting came to an end. Voldar walked back to Orenda’s side and put his arm around her shoulders. Orenda caught sight of Leo as she and Bain left and she saw the sadness in her face. She knew Leo to be very sensitive and figured all of that talk was one to make her sad. Voldar leaned over and kissed her on top of her head.

‘I am glad you came back and are having the guild deal with this together instead of you off alone.’

She got on her tippy toes and wrapped her arms around his neck, ‘I am too, I could not imagine dealing with this without them… or you.’

[orenda-aoc]

A Dream, in Prayer

Orenda sat on a rock by the shores of a creek. She starts to stick her feet in and felt the chill of it crawl up her legs, and she shivers. That was when she felt a hand touch her shoulder, and she nearly jumped out of her skin, she looked up and was looking into Sahale's eyes. Orenda suddenly felt warm through and through even with her feet still in the chilly water. 

Sahale sat next to her on the rock with his arm around her. She shut her eyes and leaned into him while breathing deeply through her nose, enjoying his scent. They sat that way for some time without speaking or moving. 

He then brushes the hair out of her face. Then kissed the top of her head. 'I love you, Orenda.' Orenda sat up to look him in his face. 'I love you too, Sahale.' He smiled at her and ran his hand from her temple down to her chin.

'Orenda... you need to be happy. I want you to start looking out for yourself more. You spend entirely too much time helping others with no thought of what it does to yourself. I want you to find someone to love and who loves you.' A look of horror crossed Orenda's face as the fountain of tears began. She shook her head and opened her mouth several times to say something, but her voice just seemed to crack. 

She finally just leaned forward and put her face in his shoulder as he smoothed her hair and began to rock her side to side. Once she became calm, she sat back up, and Sahale then wiped the tears from her face as Orenda started to speak. 'Sahale, I have never felt for anyone as I have for you, and I do not believe I can find that again or even deserve the chance to find that. It seems that where I go disaster seems to follow, and I would not wish what has happened so far in my life on anyone else. I have done some good with my life by helping others, and I wish to continue to do that.' 

Sahale smiled at her, 'I would not expect you to stop helping others. That is what you do and who you are. I wish you would take more time for yourself and try to enjoy the company of others and if you find someone that you care for, I hope you would not run from that.' Orenda looked down in her lap, and she did not say anything. 

She leaned back into Sahale, 'I have missed you... You have been gone for three years, and I have spent that time searching for Aylen and my father while grieving over you. I have not found them, and I fear I never will.'

'Just continue with your life, if you are meant to find them you will.' Orenda sat up and put her elbows on her knees and then rested her chin on her hands while looking into the water. 'I have not looked for them for some time, and I feel like I am letting them down.' 

'You will be waking soon so I must go.' She quickly put her arms around his neck and held him tight. 'Please do not go! I never want to wake up.' He chuckled lightly 'Remember what I have asked of you today. Take time for yourself, and if you find someone you care for do not hold back.' 

She nodded while not letting go of him. 'If Mitra wills it, but do not think for a moment I will go looking for it.' He kissed her cheek and then reached up to unlock her arms from around his neck. 'All I ask is if it happens, do not hide from it.' He smiled and then kissed her on the nose. 'I always did love your nose.'

She then heard something in the distance. 'Orenda.' She looked around the woods surrounding her and saw no one. She then brought her eyes back to Sahale, but he was no longer there. She then shut her eyes tight to stop the tears from coming. She then heard the same voice, 'Orenda? Did you fall asleep?' She recognized the voice as Mialrok's. She opened her eyes, and she was looking at Mialrok as he began to laugh, 'I knew you fell asleep.' 

Orenda then returned his laugh with a halfhearted one of her own. 'Yes, I guess I did, so much for my prayers today.' He stood up and stuck his hand out for her to take to help her up. She took it and smiled 'Thank you.' He was still laughing at her, 'I cannot believe you fell asleep!'

[orenda-aoc]

Finding Aylen [Part 2]

Orenda and Aylen were riding in the woods, and she was still four years old. Giggling and talking. About the birds and what she and Algoma had planted in the garden, Sahale had dug for her. Orenda smiled and felt a sense of peace, something she had not felt in a long time. She knew this was the day Aylen was taken from her. There was the hooded man in the distance, and she took a moment to study the man and then she screamed as she noticed it was Sardaver.

She sat up quickly and looked around her. She took a deep breath and realized it was just a dream, only a dream. She saw Voldar, Mufallah, and Exxia watching her, and she smiled and then turned to see Aylen lying beside her. She smoothed the hair away from her face and leaned over to kiss her on the forehead. She then brought the blankets tighter around her. She sat up and warmed her hands by the fire. She knew she was lucky. She grew up in Cimmeria and was used to the cold. She watched Mufallah and Voldar, knowing they were not used to it.

Voldar, Mufallah, and Exxia she knew would not sleep until they were safely home again ever watchful of Sardaver's return. We all knew it would happen and did not know when he had nothing but time. She knew it was hushed and no one spoke, her glance went to the helm lying in the snow. Tigerus would not be returning home with them.

She tried with all of her might to stop him from dying, but with so much blood already gone, there was little she could do. She had failed him, she knew; after all, he had done to help her get her daughter back. She returned her gaze to Aylen as she heard her stir and shiver. 'You should go back to sleep Orenda, you need your rest, and you can keep each other warm.' She nodded at Mufallah.

She lay back down and covered up along with Aylen. She smoothed her hair and couldn't keep the tears of joy from pouring forth. She laid there until she fell back asleep. She saw Sahale in the distance and Aylen was walking beside her. Aylen took off at a run towards her father, and he scooped her up in his arms and covered her face in kisses. He stopped for a moment and looked at Orenda, 'You found our girl.' She nodded at him. He then enveloped her in a hug, and they were as a family again.

'You have found happiness Orenda, and I want you to keep that.' He kissed her on top of her head and then did the same to Aylen. 'I love my girls and don't ever forget that.' He turned his back on them and started to walk away. Orenda went to call his name, and he vanished. She looked at Aylen, expecting her to be sad but she was smiling. 'We have a good family mommy; they will always be there to take care of us.' She smiled and hugged her.

She woke to Voldar shaking her gently, 'What? Something happen? Where is Aylen?' She almost jumped up and realized Aylen was still beside her sleeping. Voldar looked at her, worried, 'Everything is fine, are you alright?'

'Yes I am fine, why did you wake me?' It was then that she noticed the sun beginning to rise. 'We are packing up to leave.' Voldar told her.

'I will get my things around.' She then got up and folded up the blanket she was going to put back on Moon Beam. She grabbed a small piece of bread from her bag and ate it as she was preparing to mount Moon Beam. Voldar walked over carrying Aylen and then he placed her in Orenda's arms. As each Knight mounted their horse, Orenda looked at each of them and smiled.

They would have walked through the depths of hell for her, and she would do the same for them.

[orenda-aoc]

Finding Aylen [Part 1]

Orenda walked out of the Armsman Tavern with Voldar after the celebration of Didler and Tirsa’s wedding.  As much of a party as it could be with such news and their worry of Tigerus. She stood in front of the door and looked up to the sky and looked at the stars. ‘She is Alive.’ Those words kept ringing in her head.

‘You know Voldar when I was a little girl my mother would tell me that each star was one of our ancestors watching over us. I was so young I just thought that it was the Moon’s babies.’ He watched her with concern as she spoke. ‘I used to tell Aylen many of the stories my mother told me, but I fear that she was much too young even to remember.’

He took her hand and squeezed it. ‘We will find her.’ She nodded at him, fighting back her tears. ‘Why did Sardaver want my daughter? She is not a blood drinker. What could he have done to her? Even if she is alone, I know she is better off without him.’ They both stood there for a short time and then Orenda put a fake smile on her face and got on her tippy toes and kissed Voldar on the cheek. ‘I must go.’ He gave her a stern look, ‘Do not be going off alone to find her.’

‘I wouldn’t dream of it Voldar, please do not worry about me.’ She practically ran to Moon Beam, and they headed towards the trader in Old Tarantia. She dismounted Moon Beam and sat down on the steps to write her letter. She pulled out a small book, a journal that Leotie had sent her only a few days before. Since Leotie stopped speaking, she does most of her writing and drawing in a small book such as this. Orenda had complimented it, and Leo insisted she has one.

Orenda wrote quickly on a piece of parchment ‘She is alive’ she went into the trader and had it sent off to her father. She almost ran out of the trader when she bumped into Mufallah. ‘Oh, I am so sorry I did not see you there.’ Mufallah watched her closely as he always did when he knew he saw something he did not want to. ‘You would not be heading off to the Field of the Dead alone, would you?’

She did not speak for a moment, ‘I do not want anyone else getting hurt.’

‘I know none of us would wish you to get hurt either. It may be just another of Sardaver’s tricks so you must not go alone.’

Before the tears began to fall, she was wiping them away quickly. ‘Mufallah, I want to see her again. It has been too long, and I cannot believe Sardaver had her… I could kill him for what he has done. Too much pain he has caused to those I hold dear.’

He put his hand on her shoulder and watched her with nothing but compassion. ‘We all plan to go soon to help you find her if you allow us to help you.’ Orenda nodded and repositioned her bag on her shoulder as she looked to the floor.

He took a deep breath, ‘Tigerus had something for me to tell you…’ Orenda looked up with worry. ‘He says you are what keeps him going. He also had only nice things to say of your beauty.’

‘Tigerus is a sweet man, and I could never repay him for what he has done for me in risking his life for such information of my daughter and your son. I do not understand what he even sees in me, and if what he said is true that night in the Serpents Head Inn, he should not be declaring such things for me. Making a deal with the Gods for revenge and knowing he has such a short time… I could not give myself such grief again.’ She looks up at the sky and with a weak smile, says, ‘Voldar and I have become very close.’

Mufallah smiled at her and nodded, ‘I had my suspicion.’

‘Of all people I knew you would notice first.’

He searches her face, ‘Please promise me you will wait till we can all get together to go search for your daughter? ‘

She looks back up to the sky, ‘Will it take long?’ He shakes his head, ‘Not long at all.’

‘I promise.’

He puts a smile on his face; she knows he is struggling to keep there, ‘Good I must get back, but I knew I should catch you.’

‘I had no idea it was that plain on my face.’

‘It is not, do not worry.’

He leaves her standing there as he vanishes in the darkness back in the direction of the noble district. She knew he risked much to come and find her his status being what it was with his efforts to rid Tesso of its attackers.

She headed towards Moon Beam and there stood Voldar. She got a sideways smile, ‘It would seem Mufallah is not the only one who knew of my intentions.’ He shook his head.

‘None of us would let you leave.’

‘I should have known better. ‘

‘Yes, you should have.’

She pets Moon Beam around her armor. She smiles at the armor Voldar insisted she have for her protection. He was always thinking of her, but she only agreed because she knew it would be better protection for Moon Beam. After the incident where Moon Beam was stabbed in Poitain, she knew that it was best.

As she thought of that day, she remembered it had been some time since she saw Nomadis. Maybe he could give her more information on why Sardaver would want her daughter. It did not seem right that he would want Aylen, and she needed to know why. If only there were a way to find out, but maybe Tigerus knew more.

‘Do you want to go back to the Armsman, Orenda?

‘No, I think I will just go on a walk.’ He gives her a stern look, and Orenda cannot help laughing. ‘I promised Mufallah I would go nowhere without them.’

‘Good.’

Orenda began to dig in her bag, ‘I have something I want to show you.’ He watched her closely as she rummaged in her bag, and then she pulled out the small book again. ‘Leotie sent this to me along with a drawing.’ She flipped it open to the second page and then turned the book towards Voldar. ‘It is a drawing of Aylen.’ He looks at it, ‘She is beautiful, just like her mother.’ Orenda blushes and then turns the book so she can see it before closing it and returning the book to her bag. Orenda could not help a smile from crossing her face.

‘We are going to find her… I can feel it.’

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 10]

'Why doesn't she talk?' Aylen said with wide eyes. 'We do not know sweetheart. Something happened to Leotie that no one but her knows, and it caused her to no longer speak.' Orenda explained. 

Aylen nodded with still a confused look in her eyes. 'I still like her.' Orenda smiled, 'So do I.' 

Orenda finished tucking her in and placed a kiss on her forehead, 'Have sweet dreams.' Aylen smiled and got snuggled under her blankets. Orenda blew the light out and left the room. She stopped for a moment at the door and placed her hand on it. She was still feeling like the luckiest woman in the world to have her daughter back.

She wished that Aylen would remember who she was, but Orenda knew that sometime it would come back or she would accept her as her mother over time. Now that Aylen was with her, she knew that she had all the to wait for it to happen. 

She went down the stairs and headed towards the kitchen where she knew Leotie was waiting for her to explain to the cook what she would like to eat. 

Orenda had just returned from the Arms Man Tavern where most of the Knights had joined together to have a drink in Tigerus' honor. She wished it did not have to turn out this way for her to get her daughter back, but she was forever grateful for his sacrifice.

'Scemaeld, is Leo bothering you again?' Orenda says with a smile. Leotie turns and gives her a playful scowl. Scemaeld, with his bright smile, says, 'Why you know better Orenda, Leotie is always a pleasure to have about.' His words cause Leotie to blush.

Orenda walks over to see Leotie drawing in her journal at the table. She takes a seat across from her and notices Scemaeld watching her patiently. He loves to cook and would stand there all day waiting she was sure. 'I think I will have some vegetable soup and bread if you have any, and I believe Leotie wants anything to fill her stomach. No one can eat as this one can.' Orenda begins to laugh, and Leotie looks up and shakes her head with a smile and goes back to her drawing.

'I will have it ready for you as soon as I can.'

She smiles up at him, 'Please do not rush, I have no plans to depart anytime soon.'

'You do have your little one back; I would not imagine you would.'

'If I do, she will be with me.'

He begins to prepare their food, and Orenda sits there, watching Leotie for a time. She still could not imagine what kept her from speaking. Leotie finally looked up and observed Orenda as if searching her face. 'What are you drawing Leo?' She flipped her journal around for Orenda to see. On the page was a beautifully detailed drawing of Mufallah right down to the scar on his nose. 'This is beautiful Leo.' She bows her head with a blush and then continues to add some shading to the picture.

'Have you drawn any of the other Knights?'

Leotie nods her head and then turns the pages of the journal back a few and turns the book to show Orenda. She is shown a few pictures of the random Knights, many she knew Leotie had maybe seen once. Leotie has a way of seeing the details, even the pain in peoples eyes.

'You are very gifted Leo.'

They sit there for a while in silence except for the noise of their food being prepared. Voldar came walking in the kitchen. Orenda stood up and walked over to him and hugged him. 'Thank you for putting Moon Beam out for me. I just wanted to get in here as quickly as possible to see that Aylen was doing well.' He nodded his head with a smile.

Then they both sat down across from Leotie and Scemaeld rushed over, 'Anything I can get you Voldar?' he shook his head, 'No nothing for me this evening.'

Leotie looked expectantly at Voldar for a few moments and then scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to him.

Have you seen Bainlen?

Voldar looked up and shook his head, 'Sorry, Leo.' She exhaled a breath she seemed to have been holding. Orenda watched her closely and saw a small amount of pain in her eyes. 'I am sure he will be home soon, Leotie.' She furrows her brow and scribbles something down and hands it to Orenda.

This time he has been gone far too long, I worry.

'I know Leo.'

Scemaeld brings them each something to eat and puts a glass of water in front of Voldar. Then smiles at them brightly and heads back to the kitchen area to clean up. They eat in silence for a time, and then they hear a scream from upstairs along with a thump. Orenda is out of her seat and headed for the stairs before the silence starts.

Voldar and Leotie are not far behind her. She gets to where Aylen is sleeping and rushes inside to see her sitting on the floor, rocking back and forth. Orenda's eyes grow wide as she runs to her side and wraps her arms around her, she looks up at Leotie and Voldar trying to find answers she knows neither of them has.

She sits on the floor with her for a few moments with her arms around her. She kisses her on top of the head. Aylen stops rocking and sits back to look at Orenda as if for the first time, 'I missed you, mommy.' She squeezed Aylen and said, 'I missed you too.'

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 9]

She tried to soothe Carolyne as much as possible. It seemed her healing was doing nothing or next to nothing while trying to make the pain stop for her. She kept wiping Carolyne down with a cold cloth and did not once stop her prayers to Mitra. Carolyne kept coming in and out of conciseness, and as the time came to give birth to the baby when Orenda would touch Carolyne's stomach and begin her prayers, it felt like it burnt her hands.

She became worried and decided she needed someone else there to help her, just in case something went amiss. She could not tend the baby while trying to save Carolyne, who was fading fast. She thought quickly and ran out of the room, still saying her prayers under her breath. She stopped short in the hallway, not expecting most of the Knights to be huddled in the stairway.

She saw the worry on Mufallah's face as if he expected the worst. She quickly asked for Lunaire to be there as she dodged the questions about Carolyne. She did not want to tell them what was going on. Once Lunaire came up the stairs, she took her arm, practically dragged her in the room with her.

'Thank you for helping me. I need some assistance with the baby while I try to tend to Carolyne. I fear that I cannot heal her more than just a little now, and when the baby comes, she is going to need a lot of tending. I ask you to wash off the baby and wrap it warmly.'

Lunaire nodded, 'How is she?'

'It doesn't look good, but I promised I would take the best care of her I could, and I intend to keep that promise.'

Carolyne kept fading quicker and quicker. Orenda did not leave her side; she kept praying even though it seemed it wasn't doing little good. Orenda knew any little bit would help her once the baby arrived. Carolyne did awake enough to birth the beautiful baby boy before falling back on the pillow, and Orenda feared she was dead.

Though before she could tend to Carolyne, the baby started thrashing and screaming, unlike any newborn she had seen before. It was as if he was suffocating and starving. She knew she had to take care of the baby first… If Carolyne lived, she knew she would never forgive Orenda for allowing anything to befall the baby. Lunaire started to wipe him down while Orenda held him. She was at a loss as to what to do.

Then it seems a Gigolo had forgotten which room he was going to and he walked in. In a second, the baby lunged at him and sunk his mouth on him. The gigolo screamed and fell to the floor. Lunaire scooped the baby up quickly as Orenda said a quick Mitra prayer for the gigolo who seemed to be still alive. Lunaire wiped the blood from his face and looked at Orenda with wide eyes.

'I think I know what this baby is. I will talk to you later.' Lunaire nodded to Orenda and held the baby who fell fast asleep with his thumb in his mouth. Orenda quickly went to Carolyne and did the best she could until she knew Carolyne would live. Orenda collapsed on the floor next to the bed and was breathing heavy. She looked up at Lunaire.

'Will you give me the baby? I would like you to get Waroth for me. I need his advice.'

Lunaire without hesitation went down to get Waroth for her. He was upstairs quicker then she imagined he could make it there. She showed him the baby and told him what had happened. He told her he would return with someone who knows what to do.

She sat on the floor rocking the baby with tears in her eyes how she missed the feel of a baby in her arms or a child's embrace. She heard Mufallah come up behind her; only he steps so lightly with such a large body. She wipes her eyes quickly and then shows him the baby and assures him she is well. She gets up slowly and answers the questions she can. Then her mind goes somewhere else entirely.

She starts thinking about Aylen, and she hears Nomadis in the hallway, and she knows he wants to speak with her. She does not want to take herself away from those memories. She hears Mufallah ask to hold the baby and Orenda shakes it off and brings herself back to reality. She watches him go to hold the baby and sees that this is a feat for him, though she also sees the flawlessness in the way he holds the baby and the love he has in his eyes not only for the baby but for Carolyne too.

She takes a deep breath and then sees Nomadis leaning against the wall. 'Hello Nomadis' He nods a hello to her. She stands beside Carolyne, ready to tend to anything that needs to be done. Though she can't stop feeling the pain, she was trying to cover with taking care of Carolyne. It's as if it is making it worse for her then better.

The love Mufallah has for his new family is heartwarming to Orenda, and she wonders if Voldar has that same look of love for her. She laughs at herself for feeling so jealous, but she had that before, and she wanted it again. She honestly did not know she wanted it still until this moment.

She then starts thinking about the book that is in her bag under the bed. She stowed it there when they made it up to the room. She remembered reading some things on the birth of vampires. It fit so many things from Carolyne's pregnancy and somethings through the delivery of the baby. She wondered if Carolyne knew, and when gauging Mufallah's reaction to the gigolo, she knew he had already known. She knew she needed to speak to him or Nomadis soon. She wanted answers to what was going on.

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 8]

Orenda and Yepa departed Old Tarantia after saying farewell to both Voldor and Amero. Orenda had much to think about on their trip to Arretium. Moon Beam seemed to know something was troubling her she kept shaking her head and snorting. Orenda leaned forward and put her arms around her neck and patted her. ‘Everything is alright girl.’ She then kissed her and sat back up and looked around. She thought she had heard something. She looked around and saw nothing and did not hear the sound again.

They had been traveling for some time, and she still felt that someone was watching them. She was not frightened, but she felt uncomfortable. She started thinking about Aylen as a few tears came to her eyes. It seemed since the day she had found her father; her eyes have not stopped wanting to run like the rivers. She feared for what may have become of her daughter.

She was lost in her thoughts as Moon Beam directed them on where they needed to go. Orenda finally came back to reality when she heard what sounded like laughter and men talking not far ahead. Orenda started to reprimand herself because Orenda did not think she would encounter any troubles on her trip to Stygia, so she left it in Arretium. She was trying to save space and give her less of a load to carry.

She heard the men stop talking and go silent as she got closer. She saw Yepa’s eyes widen and Orenda covered her mouth to tell her to stay quiet. She leaned a little towards Yepa and whispered, ‘When I say run, do not ask any questions, keep going in this direction until you come to Arretium. I want you to wait for me there by the city walls. If I have not returned after some time, I want you to seek entrance. Tell them you are Yepa and what has happened. Do not come back on your own.’

She then saw two big ghastly looking men. They had matted, unkempt hair, and they were filthy. She instantly became frightened from the way they looked at her as well as Yepa. Moon Beam began to instinctively back up, but Maska whom Yepa was riding stood firm.

‘What do we have here? One for each of us.’ They both laughed, and Orenda cringed. They both started walking towards them, and Orenda looked at Yepa. She had never seen Yepa look frightened before. She looked between Yepa and the two men coming towards them. ‘Yepa… RUN.’ Yepa hesitated Orenda looked at Maska, ‘Maska.‘ She clicked her tongue twice, and Maska took off. The men tried to stop her, but Orenda got Moon Beam to start rearing at them, and they backed away.

Orenda watched to make sure Yepa was out of harm’s way, and she was going to move around them and follow when one of them removed a dagger from his sheath and stabbed Moon Beam in her side. It caused her to rear, and Orenda fell to the ground, hitting her head very hard. She sat up to see both of them coming towards her as Moon Beam was making circles trying to get to her wound.

She was trying to get up and to Moon Beam to help her before they could get to her. She then heard the whizz of an arrow and then saw it hit one of the men in the neck, and she watched him instantly fall to the ground. She looked around and saw Nomadis come out from behind a tree. The second man was too occupied with him now, so she got to her feet and ran to Moon Beam. There was so much blood, and she could see Moon Beam becoming sluggish. She began her prayers to Mitra even before she removed the dagger from her side. She got Moon Beam healed and turned to see Nomadis had already killed the second man. It did not surprise her; he did it so quickly.

She continued to pet Moon Beam to soothe her while looking at Nomadis. ‘Thank you; I do not know, however, to repay you.’

‘I could not let them harm you.’

‘Oh, it was not myself I was worried about.’ She then glanced at Moon Beam with a sigh of relief.

‘You care not for your own life?’

‘Not as much as others. We did speak on this before, I believe.’

She looked down at the two men’s bodies as their blood soaked into the ground. ‘Does that not bother you?’

‘Not like it used to. You become accustomed to it over time.’

She started to feel the throbbing of her head, and she rubbed it. Then looked around to see where she fell and went to pick up her bag. ‘Do you want your book back?’

‘Are you done reading it?’

‘No, though I suspect it would take me some time to read it all.’

‘We will see each other again.’

She nods then goes and stands next to Moon Beam again as she removes her water skin from her bag and tears a piece of fabric from her dress. She then wets down the cloth and begins to wipe as much of the blood as possible from Moon Beams side. ‘I hate that they did this to her. They deserved what they got.’ 

‘I would not expect such hatred coming from you, priestess.’

Her eyes began to sting, but she did not stop doing the task at hand. She wet down the rag again and squeezed it as the bloody water ran out and she began to rub Moon Beams side again. ‘There is much I have not expected from myself lately.’

‘What do you mean?’

She kept quiet working on getting the blood off Moon Beam. Then shot him a quick look, ‘I wonder how you were here right when I needed help.’

He began to stammer some, ‘I was just in the area.’

She nodded, ‘I felt someone following me almost from Old Tarantia.’ She then stopped and looked at him. ‘Why were you following me?’

‘I was making sure you made it back to Arretium safely.’

She furrowed her brow and then started again to remove the blood. ‘Why?’

‘You have shown me much kindness even with your obvious dislike of me, and if the child is to be born, then she needs to live.’

She nodded and then squeezed the torn fabric one more time. She knew she would need to clean her better when she got to Arretium. She looked up to where Nomadis was standing, and he was gone. She looked at the dagger on the ground. She picked it up and threw it into the woods with anger.

‘I am so sorry Moon Beam.’

She patted her one more time, and then they headed in the direction of the city. She tried to hurry, so Yepa would not worry too much for her. She arrived at the wall, and Yepa was standing with Maska by the gate. She was glad nothing had happened, and that Nomadis was there. She got them entrance into the city, and she headed straight to the temple.

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 7]

She walked into Khesh and headed to pick up some food for the remainder of her trip. When a man came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her she became scared and instantly knocks the man to the ground and then she turned around, and she saw that it was her father, he looked as if he was dying. Not the strong man she remembered. She got down on her knees and wrapped her arms around him in an embrace.

She started to cry with joy that she had found her father. Her father was also crying, and she knew he was overwhelmed with emotion for her father only cried one other time in her life, and that was the day her mother passed. She finally sat back to get a better look at him; She knew he looked dirty and rundown. It made her sad to see him that way, but she was so happy and content to see him. Voldor had run over when he heard her scream but realized it was not what it seemed.

When she finally calmed down, she looked around them, 'Where is Aylen?' The far off look in his eyes made her cry out in pain. 'Do not tell me she is dead!'

'I know not if she is.'

'What do you mean? You were with her that day; I sent you to protect her.'

He looked so ashamed, 'I have let you down, and that is why I did not return.'

'You should have returned to help me find her! She could be out there cold and alone! How did you lose her? She was four years old!' The anger welled in her at the disappointment with her father. This anger scared her for she had never been one to lash out at people. She stood up and wrapped her arms around Voldor, and he encircled her with his arms while her father was standing up on his own. He was apologizing many times to her, but she tried to ignore him, just long enough for her to get her rage under control. She finally released Voldor and turned to face her father while wiping her eyes with her cloak.

'Where did you last see her?'

'We had not made it far when something happened. We were attacked. Not by Vanir, this be something else. It happened so fast I know not… I woke up sometime later, and Aylen was gone. I was so ashamed, and I did not want to bring you the news and see the pain in your eyes. So I stayed away and tried to find her myself. I was hoping I would find her and bring her back to you, but that has not happened.'

'No, it's been three long years of praying my father and daughter were still alive. I have spent three long years searching for you both. I could have had one less prayer at night had you returned.'

'I am sorry, daughter.'

She looked down at the ground and then stepped hesitantly towards her father. She then reached her arms out and embraced him, and she began to cry, 'I want my daughter back. Why would Mitra take so many things from me? This pain is almost unbearable, but I am grateful for your return.'

She stood for some time with her father.

Later that evening she made it to Khemi and put herself up at the Serpent's Head Inn with Yepa. Her father and Voldor would share a room as well. It was late, and Orenda decided to head to the trader to see if she had gotten a response to her letter to Caroline. She did, and she read it carefully several times before writing a message back and then heading down by the docks to watch the sunset.

She repeatedly reprimanded herself for yelling at her father. She knew he did what he thought best, but she was so angry. All her searching for nothing, and he ends up finding her in the most unlikely of places. The pain is more profound than she imagined it would be. The only thoughts floating in her head were reflections of her daughter being dead all these years. A tear trickles down her cheek as she watches the sun. She did not like being in Stygia, but they did have beautiful sunsets.

She heard footsteps behind her, and she did not even need to turn to know who it was.

'I want to go home, Voldor. I want to be at Arretium.'

'When would you like to leave?'

She turned around, 'I would say now, but I think it best to wait till morning.'

'Will you be telling them of finding your father?'

'Not yet, I do not want them fretting over me. All our prayers should be on Caroline.'

'I am sure they would all like to know. They care very much for you.'

'The time will come; I need to focus all I can on helping Caroline through this. Something is not right, and I do not know what will happen. I do not even want to think about what has become of my daughter right now. I think not only will my focus benefit Caroline and her baby but for myself as well.' Another tear finds its way down her cheek.

'Come, let us get you home.' He puts his arm around her as they walk back towards the Inn.

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 6]

Orenda awoke on the ground with smoke still billowing around her. She stood and saw only homes burned to the ground and bodies everywhere. She looked around quickly; she did not understand why someone would hit her to unconsciousness and then not kill her or worse.

She then went in search of Sahale for she already knew the outcome, but she needed to see him. She went looking among the bodies that were just all over the ground. She began to cry for the loved ones mercilessly killed this day. She finally came to where his body lay.

She dropped to her knees and just sobbed. She knew Sahale fought to save them all, but a part of her wished he would have run like so many others did. Though she knew he was not a coward and she would have followed him in this battle sooner had she been there. Maybe then she could have saved him.

She stood up and saw Moon Beam coming towards her. Orenda practically ran towards her and wrapped her arms around her neck as she continued to sob. When the tears would no longer occur, she wiped her face and climbed on to Moon Beam. It was time to find her father and daughter. She took off in the direction she saw them travel.

She continued for what seemed like hours with no sign of them. She decided to stop and camp for the evening and would continue tomorrow. She knew they had a more substantial headstart and was not worried for them; she knew her father would keep Aylen safe. That is what mattered most to her presently was holding Aylen.

She awoke not long after she had fallen asleep because she just kept reliving the day. She sat up and stretched and then looked up, what she saw almost made Orenda's heart drop to her feet. She was looking right at Maska. She knew it could not be possible she watched Aylen ride off on Maska with her father. A fresh wave of tears came to her eyes as she packed up her blanket and got on Moon Beam and started leading Maska.

She needed to find her father and her daughter.

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 5]

It had been three seasons since the wedding, and they had a beautiful little girl, Aylen, that is two seasons old. Orenda is also expecting their second child. Sahale has become clan leader and takes on the responsibilities of the whole clan. Orenda still heals those in need but does not put herself in harm's way any longer. Her true passion in life is her family. Sahale is a great clan leader; he is fair and watchful.

The Vanir have been enforcing their numbers which have made Sahale on edge. He tries to keep as many warriors on watch as possible but tries to keep the clan calm without worry. His jobs of protection make him on edge and extra watchful of his wife and child. He wants to keep his clan safe, and he knows that the Vanir could attack at any moment and all he can do is be prepared.

Orenda awoke in the morning and began to prepare breakfast for her family. Sahale awakes and kisses her on the cheek as he wraps his arms around her from behind rubbing what will soon be their new child. 'You seem so thoughtful Sahale, something on your mind?' He sighed; she always knew when something was on his mind, which made it hard to hide his fear from her. She was due to have their child at any time and did not want her upset. He came to close to losing her when Aylen was born. 'I am just anticipating our new child love.' She turned around and put her arms around his neck and kissed him. 'Do not worry about me; I know nothing will go wrong this time. It is so much different this time.' He smiled, lovingly at her. He caressed her cheek and looked deep into her eyes. 'You mean the world to me, and I just do not want to see anything happen to you.'

As the day went on, Orenda could almost feel something different in the air. It made her on edge watching her every move and keeping Aylen as close as possible to her. Orenda was tending to the garden when Aylen jumped up and started squealing, Orenda stood up quickly and spun around. Relief washed over her as she saw Leotie and Yepa walking up to visit. She exhaled quickly and then felt a sharp pain in her stomach, it made her drop to her knees, and the last thing she remembered was Yepa at her side. 'ORENDA!'

Sahale was out with the men scouting when he heard Yepa yelling for him. He was confused as to why Yepa would be out in the field. He saw the worry on her face and noticed she was out of breath; he didn't even need to hear what she had to say as he took off on Maska to his home. Aylen was outside with his mother, Enola. Aylen may only be two seasons old, but he could see the worry in her eyes. He gave her a quick squeeze and ran into the house.

Leotie was working as hard as she could to heal Orenda. He could see the sweat beads on her forehead, and the worry etched on her face. He sat beside their bed and held her limp, pale hand as the burning began in his eyes. Leotie knelt beside him and whispered close to his ear, 'I would like to speak to you for a moment..... away from Orenda.' He hesitantly left her side, and they went to the opposite side of the room. Leotie continued to whisper, 'I am afraid I cannot save them both, I am the only healer left in our clan due to the Vanir picking at our numbers, and I am not strong enough.' She started to cry, and he put a hand on her shoulder. 'Young one you are powerful, I know how proud Orenda is of your progress.' He let out a massive sigh. 'You are sure there is nothing to be done to save them both?' She nodded quickly with the tears streaming down her face. 'Then save Orenda.' Leotie looked up at him, 'You know Orenda would be upset with this decision.' Sahale nodded, 'Aylen needs her mother, I need her, and our clan needs her. She will come to forgive me someday... I hope.'

Leotie looked at him, 'I know, but it is me she would need to forgive.' Before Sahale could respond to her, she walked away and began at her work again. He sat back down beside Orenda and held her hand, it was so cold, and he felt as if he was losing her, one way or another. He sat there for what seemed like hours until Yepa came in. 'Made you some stew, you better eat. Aylen has been askin for you and her mama. Go, I be stayin with Orenda until you return.' He kissed Orenda's hand and stood up, leaving to eat and see about Aylen. Yepa took his seat next to Orenda.

He took a seat after eating, and Aylen crawled in his lap, he cradled her, and she fell asleep and not much after so did he. He did not know how long he was sleeping, but when he awoke it was morning, and Yepa was standing over him. 'Sahale, she is awake and is asking for you.' He noticed Aylen was no longer in his arms, and he rose quickly and made his way to Orenda's side. She looked so weak and fragile, it worried him, and he had never seen her look that way. He finally brought himself to look her in the eyes; he did not like the pain he saw there.

Leotie and Yepa left the room, and then Orenda weakly said, 'It was a son. I am so sorry I failed you Sahale.' Her voice cracked,' I would have liked to name him Lusio.' The silence enveloped them until Sahale could take it no longer. 'My love, you did not fail me. I should have kept a better watch on you, but I was so busy with our clan. I have been so neglectful.' She started to sob, 'No, I pushed myself too hard. No one is to blame but me, and now we do not have our son... Our beautiful son, who was the future of our clan.' He held her in his arms, he knew she always took the blame for everything, and he did not know how to make her understand. Seemed no matter what he said, she still blamed herself and just seemed to agree with what he said.

The day they buried their son was the last day Orenda spoke of him. He could see she carried the pain and guilt with her always, and no matter what he said she would change the subject. The whole clan mourned the loss of Lusio, but they were relieved they did not lose Orenda as well. Orenda felt guilty and weak; she did not understand why she had such a hard time carrying a child when it came so naturally to everyone else.

Sahale talked with Amero about how he felt hopeless in helping her to cope with the loss of their son. Amero told him he would speak with his daughter. Orenda was preparing lunch when Amero came to visit. 'Da, what a nice surprise. Would you like to join Aylen and me?' He nodded at her. 'Then after ye and I need be speakin on things.' They finished lunch and Aylen went out to play. Orenda cleaned up and sat down across from her father.

'What do you need to be saying da?' He took a moment of thought before beginning. 'I know you have been struggling the past few months.' Her eyes began to cloud over, but Amero continued. 'You had a sister.' Orenda looked up with curiosity. 'What are you saying, da?' He swallowed and moved on. '2 seasons before you were born, your mama was expecting our first child. I almost lost her just as I almost lost you. She did not do anything wrong, but it just happened.' She had a shocked look on her face, 'I know mama would never have harmed anything.' Her father nodded knowingly, 'As I know ya wouldn't either.' She thought about that statement for a moment. 'Da I cannot get past the fact that there should have been something I could have done, something I could have done differently. I wish it had been me instead.'

Amero looked soberly at his daughter,'Dont ye ever say that. Would ye want that beautiful daughter of yers to be growing up without her mama? Would ye be wanting Sahale to run this clan alone while tending to her? Would ye leave your dear ol da?' Orenda saw the mist in his eyes and felt great pain for her father, 'Da I am sorry, it is just this pain is so great.' he nodded knowingly. 'Just ye be rememberin what I be sayin. Your family be needin ya and this clan be needin ye to do what ya do best. In these dark times and only ya and Leotie left to be healin, ye be needed Orenda.' He got up and kissed her on the head, and then he left. Orenda sat there thinking for a while on the things her father had said. She never once saw the pain in her mother's eyes, and she wondered how that could be with such a significant loss. Her mother was, indeed a powerful woman.

She knew that she needed to accept the loss of her son as a natural thing, but the guilt still seemed to pile on her. She knew for Aylen she needed to be the best mother she could. She wiped the tears off her cheek with her sleeve and stood up. She was going to go outside and play with Aylen today, and then she was going to stop and see everyone that was sick and see what she could do. She had been putting too much responsibility on Leotie's shoulders. She knew it was time to help Leotie strengthen her skills of healing, and she was going to make sure Yepa and Leotie started working with some of the other warriors so they could better protect themselves. She knew they both would do great things, and she wanted to make sure she helped as much as she could.

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 4]

'Orenda, it be time ta wake.' Orenda felt a nudging as she opened her eyes and began to stretch. She then realized her father was trying to wake her. She yawned 'What is it da?' He smiled at her mockingly, 'Today be ya weddin day daughter.' She smiled brightly, 'Yes da, silly of me to be so foggy when I awake.' He chuckled at her, 'Daughter, I have something to give you. I struggled wif givin it to ya, but it be ya weddin day and ya motha woulda wanted ya to have it.' 

He handed her what looked like white fabric with a circlet. She sat the circlet on the bed and then investigated the white fabric. She gasped as she unfolded it; it was a white dress. She looked up at her father, 'Is this what I think it is?' He nodded at her with love in his eyes, 'That be the dress ya motha wore the day we got married.' He said it with a crack in his voice, and she knew the pain it had caused to give her such a gift, and she was so thankful. She jumped up off her bed and wrapped her arms around her father. 'I love you da... Thank you.' She kissed him on the cheek, and he quickly left the room.

The day went on with women of the clan coming to help her prepare and cook all the food. The men of the clan readied the tables and began drinking the ale. She knew that her mother was with her on this day, if not in the flesh, at least in spirit. Many of the tasks these wonderful women did were tasks her mother would have undertaken for her. Two of her dear friends Leotie and Yepa were going to stand with her as she got married. Leotie and Yepa are sisters and have been Orenda's friends since she came to live with the clan. Leotie was becoming a Bear Shaman, and Yepa was yet to find herself. Orenda thought of them as sisters. As the day wore on, they all got together, and they helped Orenda get dressed for her wedding. They were all giddy with excitement.

Leotie looked at Orenda in her wedding dress, 'You are so beautiful, just think you will be the bride of our clan leader.' Orenda giggled, 'Yes, but I do not even think of him like that. He is my best friend... aside from you two. I wouldn't want to be with anyone else.' She smiled brightly and knew they had many happy years ahead of them. Yepa grumbled, 'Stop the chitting it be time to get you out there.' Orenda smiled at Yepa's ways.

She looked at Sahale as he went to kiss her, sealing their destiny forever. She leaned in as he circled her with his arms and kissed her deeply. Hollering from the crowd of approval brought them back to reality. Sahale with his arm around his bride looked out over what would become his people, and he smiled threw his free hand up in the air and said, 'I thank you all for joining me as I begin my new life with my bride, and now let's all enjoy the celebration.'

The celebration went well into the night. Finally, Sahale and Orenda departed the festivities to begin their new life. That night Orenda hoped that Mitra would bless them with a child. Sahale and Orenda had already talked over children. Sahale wanted a beautiful girl, and Orenda wanted a boy. Though they both agreed that as long as it was healthy, they would be happy, they wanted a whole mess of children to fill their home.

That night they would both be granted the wish of a child. 

That is when her dream changed...

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 3]

The day Orenda’s life changed forever, she had decided to take Aylen out for a ride in the mountains. Aylen kept pointing out the trees and all the wild animals they saw. It always brought a smile to Orenda’s face to hear her try so hard to remember all of their names.

It was then she heard something behind her, she turned to look, and she saw a figure standing in the distance watching her and Aylen. Orenda became a little worried and decided that they should return home quickly. Then the figure was gone as soon as she had noticed it. She began to think she had just imagined it. So they continued on their ride.

They stopped Moon Beam and Maska so they could get a drink from the river. Aylen and Orenda sat on the shore and ate some berries Orenda had brought on the trip as a snack. As they sat there, Orenda smelled smoke in the air. She became worried so she decided it was time to go back to their village where she would feel more at ease.

As they got closer to the village, Orenda saw the smoke. She stopped both horses, and that is when her father, Amero, came riding into the clearing. He could see the relief on his face to see both her and Aylen. She knew something had happened, due to the blood and soot on her father. ‘What has happened?’ He shook his head ‘It not be good, there will be too many of them, and they brought mercenaries, I do not know why. They never did such a thing before.’

Never had she heard of the Vanir getting mercenaries to help them attack. She knew something was not right and that this would most definitely not be just the Vanir behind this attack. Amero continued, ‘We best be leavin daughter.’ Orenda knew Sahale would not leave his people, so she nodded, ‘I want you to take Aylen to safety for me, and I will find you when this is over.’ She could tell from the stern look he gave her he did not like such an idea. She knew that Aylen would be safe with her father.

He reluctantly agreed, and both her father and her daughter rode off. She got her crossbow ready and then again she heard something in the trees, like a rustling sound. She looked up and saw a figure standing not too far off in the distance. Orenda knew she did not imagine it this time, but she needed to get to Sahale and as quickly as she could. He was the clan leader, and she knew he would not leave until it was over or all had fallen. She needed him, and so did Aylen, and she knew with her there, he stood a better chance.

She took off on Moon Beam, and she came to the edge of the village and quickly dismounted off of Moon Beam. The destruction was heart-wrenching, there were so few homes left, and there were so many Vanir and many others from the far reaches of the world. There were bodies scattered along the ground, some who were strangers and some she knew since she arrived in Cimmeria. Tears stung her eyes and anger built up in her. She had never felt such hate since she was 9.

She loaded her crossbow, and Orenda began to defend her village. How many she took down she will never know. The hate is what consumed her, and she lost all else until she found Sahale. That is what nearly brought her to her knees. He was fighting as fiercely as she knew he could, but she knew he would not make it long past this fight. There were so many arrows in his body, and she could tell a blade had not only nicked him but stabbed him a great many times. She had never seen him look so weak even with all the vigor in protecting his village.

She continued to skirt her way around and pick off the ones on the outside. She knew she lacked the strength for hand to hand combat, and her father taught her this skill for a reason. The battle would forever change her life, and she knew it. She did not like the outcome she saw. Though she tried to save those she could, and pick off those who were her enemies.

As Orenda continued with her task, she once again heard a sound behind her. She went to turn to see what it was, and before she could, she felt a sharp pain in her upper back and hit the ground. She struggled to stay alert and failed. It was then she dreamed of the past…

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 2]

The warmth from the fire and the subtle cracking of the logs made Orenda drowsy. She sat back against a tree and kept her eyes shut. She heard Moon Beam and Maska eating grass in the distance and Maska's displeasure as she nipped him for getting to close. It brought a smile to Orenda's face, and she thought of the first time she saw Moon Beam.

Orenda awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of wolves and a horse in the distance. She did not like the idea of wolves attacking a horse. Quick as she could, she grabbed her crossbow and ran into the woods trying to find it. It was so dark, and she could not see well. She heard the horse call out in pain, and she felt as if she would listen to the horse die before she would find it. 

The branches of trees scraped her arms and face, and she pressed on. She was near giving up when the clouds parted, and a bright beam from the moon showed her the way. She could see the horse backed up against a tree with three wolves circling it.

Orenda ran as fast as she could, hoping Mitra had sent her to save this beautiful beast from harm. She ran up and stunned each wolf, and in that instant, they turned on her. It was not what she had hoped to happen, so she braced herself for impact. 

Orenda fell to the ground, and the horse came forward and with her front legs kicked the wolf off her and then with the full force of her upper body slammed down on the nearest wolf. Orenda climbed back up to her feet in time to save the horse from further attack, she grabbed her crossbow and got the wolf closest to the horse. The last remaining wolf ran off, which relieved Orenda; she doesn't like to see animals harmed least of all by her hand.

She turned to the horse which was in one single moonbeam the horse then came up to Orenda and nuzzled her cheek. Orenda noticed the bite marks, 'Oh you poor thing, here.' She healed the horse's wounds and gave her a gentle pat. 'There you are safe now.' Orenda turned to leave, and the horse followed her. She turned around, 'You want to come with me?' The horse took a few steps forward and nuzzled Orenda again. She smiled and then ran her hand down her neck. 'Then I shall call you Moon Beam, for I would not have found you without it.'

Orenda sat up from the tree and looked at both horses. She could remember the countless times she had taken Aylen, her daughter, out on Moon Beam and Maska. She enjoyed her face lighting up and trying to name everything she saw. Those were the moments that brightened Orenda's heart. She carried those memories with her always.

[orenda-aoc]

Orenda’s Story [Part 1]

Orenda jumped down off of Moon Beam and walked around to face her. She was trying to hold back the tears as she nuzzled Moon Beam’s nose. “I have to do this girl. I am so happy you are here with me.” She takes a deep breath and takes the flowers she found especially for this trip and walks towards a grave that has aged many seasons.

Orenda kneels beside it and places the flowers down on top of it. One tear slides down her cheep as she swipes it away. She hears Moon Beam coming up behind her and nibbling at her hair, something she does to comfort Orenda and make her smile. It was one time she could not bring herself to laugh. It had been 16 summers since she stepped on Aquilonian soil, and the first stop she needed to make was to see her mother.

Lovela and Amero met when Amero came to Aquilonia to do some trading. Lovela went out of the temple with her hands full of books and ran right into him. Parchments flew everywhere as she scrambled to grab them all; he was getting ready to curse at her when she looked up at him to apologize. He had never seen anyone so beautiful. Lovela smiled at him, and he knew he needed her; she would be what completes him.

They could not be apart after that. Amero did not return to Cimmeria because she was needed there. She was a very gifted healer, and she valued her work, and he just wanted her to be happy. He gave up his homeland for her, and she gave up her family. Lovela’s family did not approve of her marrying Amero because he was a Cimmerian.

When Orenda was born, it was the happiest they had ever been. The loss of their first child broke their hearts, and they felt lucky to have Orenda. Amero was very overprotective of Lovela and Orenda, and he started to teach Orenda at a young age to use a crossbow. He wanted her to know how to protect herself but from a distance. Lovela did not like the idea of teaching her such violence, yet she knew her husband was right to teach her.

Then the day Orenda would always remember. It was a beautiful spring day, and Orenda and her mother were out helping others. They were bringing food to those who were ill and healing those she could. Then the Nemedians attacked. Amero was nowhere near Orenda and Lovela, and he had to fight his way through the city to try and find them.

Lovela tried her hardest to protect those around her, and Orenda just hid behind her. They were losing so many, and Lovela was losing hope. She was trying to find any way to get Orenda to safety. Amero finally came into view, and Lovela felt as if she could relax and Orenda knew everything was going to be okay.

In one second of relief, Lovela was struck down by an arrow to the chest. She stood for one moment and then repulsed everything away from her, except Orenda. She then fell to the ground. Lovela took Orenda’s hand and said, ‘I need you to be strong Orenda, look after your father for me, and be the caring girl I know you to be. This world needs more souls, such as yours.’ Orenda started to cry, ‘Do not leave me, mama, please!’ her mother brushed the tears away from her cheeks, ‘I will always be with you, I promise.’

At that moment, her husband was at her side; he too had tears on his face, something Orenda had never seen and would never again. Lovela smiled weakly ‘I have loved you from the time I first saw you. Protect Orenda; now I do not have much time I need to do one last thing, I do not break my promises.’ She looked at Orenda with nothing but love and said, ‘This gift I give to you, and may Mitra always protect you.’ A radiance of light came out of Lovela’s body and shot into Orenda, and all went black.

She awoke in Cimmeria a few days later. Her father had brought her to his home to keep her safe. He refused to ever go back to Aquilonia and cursed every Nemedian. Orenda refused to believe in Crom and only wanted to follow Mitra as her mother had taught her. Amero did not try to persuade her either way. It did cause her to stick out from the other children, but it made her feel closer to her mother.

It was another three summers before she knew the gift her mother had given her was the power of Mitra. She found a wounded rabbit in the woods; she wanted nothing more than for it to be better. At that moment, a bright light appeared, and the rabbit got up and hopped away. Orenda was worried something was wrong with her, so she ran to find her father.

He explained to her what had happened, and it made her excited. She knew then that her mother had kept her promise, and she was happy for the power of Mitra. Her father would not allow her to go to Aquilonia to find a Priest of Mitra for training, so she had to go to the clan Bear Shamans. She learned many things from them, and her powers became stronger.

She continued to feel that she could have done something to save her mother that day, even after many years she still carries that guilt with her.

Orenda still knelt beside the grave of her mother, “I am sorry, mama; I wish I could have done something to save you. I wish you could have known your grandchildren and my husband before they were all taken from me. You were so much stronger then I will ever be.” More tears escaped as she thought of the loss she had endured over the past summers. “I want to make you proud; I try my hardest to help all those in need. It makes me feel as if I am doing something with my life that I have been given. I have little left.”

Moon Beam snorts, and it brings Orenda a half attempt at a smile to her face. “Yes Moon Beam, I have you and Maska.” She thinks back to the day Sahale asked her to marry him. They had gone riding on Moon Beam and Maska in the mountains, she sighed deeply

“Mama, you would have loved Sahale. He was truly a great clan leader… too bad there are so few of us left.” She stands up, getting ready to leave. She knows she will come back, but it has just been too draining already. Digging up the ghosts of the past can be exhausting. She looks at the flowers on the grave, takes a deep breath, and says, “Mama, I hope to be even a fraction of how great you were.”

Orenda climbs back up on Moon Beam and gives her a pat “Come Moon Beam; let us start our new life.”

[orenda-aoc]

Hop to Freedom Little Frogs

Orenda sneaks around the side of the hut, trying not to be seen. It has been one year since her mother passed, and she was being raised purely by her father. She was learning to cook from the many women of the clan. Today she was being taught to cook by Enola; she is the wife to Delsin the Clan Leader. 

Orenda's father had told her she would be learning to cook frogs. That was most certainly not something she wanted to learn to cook. She hated cooking animals, and she disliked even the thought of eating a living thing. Her father regularly got on her about eating everything except the flesh of animals, most of the time, you will find her with some fruit or bread. 

Orenda continued creeping around the side of the hut to the bucket she knew held the frogs that were in imminent danger of being cooked. She tried to tiptoe as softly as she could. Then Enola walked out of the hut, 'There you are Orenda I was wondering when you would be getting here.' She spun around quickly, trying to look innocent, so she smiled. 

Enola smiled at her and said, 'Orenda will ya bring the bucket of frogs in here? I figured on teachin ya how to be cookin um.' Orenda tried not to shudder at the thought as she nodded. Enola turned and went back in the hut and Orenda kept a close watch on her till she was out of sight. She sighed and then grabbed the handle of the bucket and took off as fast as she could in the opposite direction of the hut, towards the river. 

She looked behind her a few times to make sure no one saw her running off. She made it to the river, and she knelt beside it with the bucket and then reached in to take hold of one of the frogs. She looked at him for a moment before she sighed. 'Hop to freedom little frog, and take your friends with you.' She placed the frog on the bank of the river and then tipped the bucket to let the water and remaining frogs out of it. 

They sat on the bank for a few moments as she watched them. They did not move. 'What are you doing? Better get before someone else finds you to cook you in a pot.' She shrugged then nudged each of the 14 frogs into the river. She then stood and grabbed the bucket and headed back towards her village. 

The closer she got to the village, the more scared she became. She was not sure how Enola would take the news of her dumping all the frogs she was preparing to make for her own family that night. She wondered if she should go back or just run straight home. 

She set the bucket down where she had found it and started heading towards the door where her uncertainty lays. She then heard quick footsteps behind her, and as she turned, there were two small but strong arms wrapped around her in an embrace. 

'I was so worried about you when you did not follow me in the hut.' Enola's voice was filled with sincerity as she spoke those words. She pulled Orenda at arm's length and looked her in the face. 'Do na be doin tha again Orenda. Where did ya go off to?' That is when Orenda sighed; she did not want to lie, so she blurted out the truth. 'I went to free the frogs you were planning on teaching me to make.' Enola looked at her, and she did not say anything for a few moments. 'Orenda, if ya na be wannin to be cookin frogs you shoulda said so.' 

Orenda knew then that Enola was a fair woman regardless of what many had said about her. Enola took Orenda inside, and she taught her how to make her special recipe of bread. It made Orenda feel special to have that knowledge that no one else in the clan had.