Family Reunion-BYO2023, page 1

posted on Oct, 31 2023 @ 12:48 PM

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As she moved from the grasslands to the forest, the murmuration of starlings, overhead, foretold the possible danger lurking from above. Always the Raptors, blending into the darkness of the last of the cover clutching tightly to the trees. Some leaves, older and weak, had already fallen and they crackled under her feet. Oh, if she could only be as quick and soundless as the deer! Her faithful companion moved swiftly ahead, nose to the ground, only raising up, occasionally, to observe her partner and amend their position. Although the path was covered and overgrown they easily knew the way. The damp leaves stuck to her friend’s muzzle like a beard glistening in the gray mist.

They didn’t mind the gray nor the dampness slowly seeping into their bones, the hike would keep them warm. This was the day that they waited for all year. The cool, crisp air stinging their eyes and noses…what a glorious day to be alive. The gathering to come would bring a renewed joie de vivre, something that has been much needed lately in this sad place we have found ourselves in the living world.

They would reach their camp before dusk as there was much to be done. There was wood to gather for the fire that would signal their location and provide much needed warmth on this coldest night of the season so far. The visitors would begin arriving just after dark. Her pack was heavy with smoked salmon, apples, walnuts, sweet bread and, of course, her hip flask of Blanton’s. She had saved a while for this special gift to herself and her guests. Her escort was not to be forgotten, the camp lays out above an ephemeral creek and it has been a soggy season thus far.

There, in the clearing just up ahead, is the flat rock that marks their annual campsite. A beautiful view of the setting sun just ready to fall behind the mountains greets them. She takes the machete from her cross belt, lots of fallen limbs this year, and begins to hack away for her wood pile. The pungent smell of rotting bark and the fermenting fruit of the wildlings, that had fallen to the ground when the first frost came, filled her lungs. As her companion lapped at the creek, she took the cloth from her tinderbox and began building her blaze. She whistled for her friend and they headed in search of more rocks for the chantry. Gathering an armload, she placed them on the flat rock beside the flames and gathered her gifts of fruits and nuts, placing photos lovingly between the altar stones. The bourbon warmed her, as it went down, feeling like a hug.

As they settled against her knapsack and awaited their guests a light breeze came forth from the north rustling leaves as it blew through the branches. In the distance, between those same trees, she thought she’d caught site of a Faun. They sometimes appeared before the gnomes began their games of hide and seek dancing in the shadows between the underbrush. Her familiar sensed the Faun and with preternatural speed leapt into the woods baring her teeth and warning any approaching iniquitous spirits with her enthusiastic growl, ready to defend with any unforeseen movement. “There now, my friend, all will be well as this is a night of celebration and our circle is protected.”.

Her brother would be the first to arrive, as usual. They would reminisce about the old days when he left the Air Force to come back home, shortly after the hostages were released in Iran. The gunshot wound barely visible anymore. It looked rather like a smudge now. They never spoke of it. He knew he left her when she needed him most but that was his choice to make, she had forgiven him long ago. He seemed to prefer his existence in the Void to that of the living, except this one special night of the year when he appeared almost whole again. Mother and Father would arrive later, making their way to the fire light. Mother young again and able to not only walk but dance and Father, eyeing the offerings with a wide smile and singing at the top of his lungs. Our faithful protector yapping playfully and carrying sticks to be thrown and fetched. No sleep will come tonight, for the time will pass like a flash.

This night is the most special night when we can all be together again albeit brief lasting only until the new sun emerges. We hug tightly, our bellies full from bourbon and bread, and say our goodbyes, Mother kissing me gently on the cheek like the brush of a butterfly’s wing. The first of the morning birds arise and greet the new Saint’s day with their sweet melodies. I turn to ready my companion for our journey home and as I look back, my people are gone. “Travel safe, my loves, may the sun keep us warm and our prayers keep us safe until we meet again.”

Happy Halloween!

Writer (or so they say)

The END

SprocketUK

posted on Oct, 31 2023 @ 01:03 PM

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That was great and perfect for tonight

FullHeathen

posted on Oct, 31 2023 @ 01:07 PM

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a reply to: TNMockingbird

Yes. I agree with what they say.
Definitely a writer.

edit on 31-10-2023 by FullHeathen because: (no reason given)

zosimov

posted on Oct, 31 2023 @ 01:26 PM