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[Mia Stormcrow]

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Mia sat in the rooftop garden slowly removing the plants that had died off with the onset of winter, sorting them as she went, those that could be used for balms, poultices, and medications in one pile, the rest in another. The rhythmic and soothing nature of the work allowed her time to reflect upon the past.

The recent winter holiday had been one of the best she could remember for many a year, although it held some bittersweet moments, it was the end of a year filled with much grief, pain, and loss. The trip to her fathers homestead outside Skara Brea had passed all too quickly, even at the plodding place of the overburdened packhorse. As she approached the farmstead, Shasta raced ahead barking an announcement of their arrival. The ensuing crescendo of barking was almost deafening, Mia was hardly noticed as she arrived in the farmyard, by the huge pack of dogs, who were all busy sniffing and getting reacquainted with their littermate, Shasta.

Although the house and barn were in much need of a coat of paint, the surrounding farmstead was orderly; the livestock appeared to be healthy and well tended. Mia glanced at the smoke lazily drifting from the farmhouse chimney, as she led the packhorse into the barn, surprised that the racket raised by all the dogs hadn’t brought forth her father from the house. After unloading the horse’s burden, she led him to a stall for a well-deserved rest. Having seen to the animals needs, Mia walked across the yard to the house and was greeted with a blast of hot air as she opened the door. Sitting in the dim light of the farmhouse, her father looked up from his rocking chair, a blanket across his knees, “Tis bout time ya got here lass.”

The days that followed were a return to farm life and holiday traditions for Mia, the slow place of daily winter chores, family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and visits with the other farm families living near by. The slow pace provided Mia with a much need rest she didn’t realize she needed. Her appetite increased, and she slept better than she had in some time, although she still troubled with nightmares. As the first new moon after the Winter Solstice approached Mia gathered those items necessary for preparing the Wassail and the ceremony honoring the Old One. For several afternoons, Mia instructed her oldest niece, Sarah, on the ceremony, the traditions, the preparation of Wassail and the rituals necessary for the honoring of the trees. This was to be Sarah’s first year performing the ceremony, and Mia’s responsibility to teach to old ways to the next generation.

Following the ceremony, Mia and her father walked Sarah home, after saying good night, Mia, smiling, hugged Sarah tightly, “You did a great job, Sarah, and I know you realize how important it is to keep the old ways and honor the trees each year, until its your turn to teach your daughter.” The two of them waited a few moments until the child had gone inside the farmhouse, before resuming their journey to the old mans homestead. Although the walk from her brother’s house was a short one, they were both chilled upon their arrival at her father’s farm. Going inside, Mia immediately added some wood to the fire, and placed a kettle of Wassail to warm.

They sat quietly for some time sipping the warm Wassail, the popping of the fire and the blowing wind the only sound heard. The old man looked up from his thoughts, “Lass, I want ya ta know hoo proud of ye we are, even way ot here, we hear the tails.” Mia , barely glancing up from her drink replied, “One goes were where ones called to serve, nothing more.” The old man nodded a bit, before asking, “I’d be deef na ta hear ye screams each night, wa is it that troubles ye soul so?” She looked the old man in the eyes for some time searching for some glint of understanding, she knew was not there, “Nothing you would understand”, was her only comment. The old man said nothing more, he hadn’t gotten this old without knowing when to hold is tongue, she’d speak of it when she was ready.

Having finished her drink, Mia wish her father a good night and retired to her room, there was still a few things to do before turning in for what sleep her dreams would allow. Mia carefully packed her belongings, she’d be leaving at first light, going thru the motions the task required almost mechanically until only one item remained, a globe containing a beautiful snowy scene of the Shrine of Honor. She smiled, as she thought of the man who had given her such a rare gift, blushing, as she thought about her feelings for him. Wrapping the globe lovingly, she placed it in her saddlebags, and got ready for bed. She smiled to her self as she moved the pillow and saw the slice of bead her father had placed there. Mia put the slice of bread upon the room’s small table, turned out the lamp and crawled into bed to get what rest she could.

Shasta paced back and forth, it was if she couldn’t wait to start the journey home. Mia kissed the old man goodbye, “I’ll visit again before the trees bud out”, reaching under her cloak, she pulled out the slice of bread she had found the night before, and handed it to him. “You’ll not be knowing before it do…..”
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