by Sheryl Seal
I put the bridle on Buttercup and used the fence to get on her back. I don’t use saddles and I’m not really short. I’m five-eight but still I needed a boost because my mare is quite tall. We headed out of the village towards Oria Falls. We were in the meadow when White Bear came out of seemingly nowhere on his horse, Hotah. I say out of nowhere because this is a wide open meadow with new blossoming flowers daily. I can hear and feel things others are not tuned in with. I could swear he was not here or anywhere near here a few seconds ago. Yet all of a sudden, here he was. I found it odd, like so many things about White Bear lately. The feelings that I get from him are not of this world. They are also not from the world of man. It concerned me that I couldn’t figure out where he had been. He also has offered no information on this, which is very peculiar for White Bear; we have been such good friends since I arrived here. Now he is closed off to me.
“Oria, I have been looking for you. Grandmother said you were headed to give blessings at Oria Falls.” Looking at White Bear, I had to smile, although very attractive and single, I was just not in the mood for his strange behavior today. We are friends though and he used to be great fun to be around. Not lately, I reminded myself.
Matoskah is what the Hunkpapa Sioux call him. He is a medicine man here to help train others. Although with magic in the worlds, it has been difficult for him to lead many in practicing the old ways of healing. He is a dear friend so I listen carefully to all of his instructions and learn all I can about herbs and healing. After I saved his life and realized I had healing powers, I don’t often use the herbs, although I should. You never know when you may be put in a position without the use of magic.
I was the one feeling out of sorts and so I shook off the feeling of dread I had. He neared me and I tried to act as normal as possible, not one of my strong suits. I have a hard time not letting my moods show on my face. I put on a happy smile for him. “Hey there White Bear, why are you looking for me?” I hadn’t left grandmother that long ago and I was still trying to figure out how he talked with her and then got here so fast. This wouldn’t have been a big deal had he shifted into his spirit animal, which is a beautiful white bear. I try and keep the feelings of White Bear which are odd and dark, blocked in my mind. People could always read my face but I could block them from reading my thoughts if I remembered too.
“I have something that I would like to discuss with you, if you have the time. I hurried to catch up with you.”
“What would you like to discuss? I can certainly spare some time for such a good friend.” I always punctuate this friend part. I didn’t need there to be any confusion on where I stood with White Bear because at one time, I knew he had hopes of love for us. I could normally read his thoughts whenever I needed and I should be able to now but I still couldn’t. Something was absolutely off with him today.
The harder I tried to read him, the more he seemed to block me. So I stared at him in confusion as he kept talking. Besides grandmother, grandfather and Grey Wolf, I was pretty sure nobody realized that I could read people so well. I had kept this to myself and tried not to pry unless I needed too. I was feeling like he knew that I had this gift and was enjoying some new found power he had of blocking me, but that couldn’t be the case, right? Was he smirking at me? I had been lost in thought and had to force myself to pay attention. He was explaining that he had found something in the cave beyond Oria Falls and that I should take a look when I had the time. He would like to show me now if this was acceptable.
I thought I saw a light shade of red cross his eyes and then disappear. This has happened one other time when we were talking and I dismissed it to the color of the necklace he was wearing that day. He was still wearing the same necklace but it was tucked into his buckskin shirt now, like he was concealing it. Where had he gotten this stone and why didn’t he want anyone to see it?
While I was thinking these things and questioning my good friend’s intentions, I was once again pulled back into the conversation with his next words. “There are illustrations on the cave walls that I haven’t seen before. They look important.”
“What cave walls? Where were you again? I’m sorry White Bear; I am a little distracted today.” I tried to cover up for my inattentiveness and he seemed a little exasperated by this and started his story once again. “I was picking a certain mushroom that can only be found in the caves beyond the water at Oria Falls. I looked up and on the wall were all of these symbols that I had never seen there before. I have been to this cave many times and these drawings were not there previously. I’m sure of it. Why do you think these would just suddenly appear?” He looked away from me nervously and pushed a stray brownish-black hair out of his eyes.
This made it easier for me to look in his eyes and I could see beautiful jade eyes that resembled emeralds. I noticed once again a flicker of fire set deep within them. Startling me, it was my turn to look away. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hide my surprise. So, I reached down and patted Buttercup. I blocked my own thoughts as I questioned him nonchalantly. “Where is grandfather? He is the one that needs this information. He is the elder here. He should be the one to see and explain these drawings you have found.”
“Grandfather was not in the village. I heard talk that he was consulting with the ancestors about the new Dwellers that are coming tonight. You are the Golden Queen, so I thought to show you. We can go now if you think that your blessing can wait until later.”
When I had myself together and glanced back at him, the red fires that flickered in his eyes a moment ago were now gone. I could only see the beauty of his jade eyes. White Bear had always been a good friend, kind, patient, and the best teacher. Smiling beautifully, he appeared normal and his old self again. The nagging feeling wouldn’t leave me though, and I knew him well enough to know that something was not quite right with him.
Clearly he wanted me in the cave and I had no intention of going with him alone. So I did what my instincts told me to do and I stalled for more time. I also knew that no one here would interfere, or think badly of anyone that was giving a blessing or wanting to speak with The Great Spirit. “I’m sorry White Bear; I can’t go with you right now. I hope that you understand. What I need to do at this time cannot wait either.” I gathered up my reins and kicked Buttercup into a trot and with a backwards glance at him said, “I will meet you at the cave in three hours’ time.”
He sounded annoyed at me but concealed it just as quickly as I heard the laughter when he yelled after me. “It can wait for a while. I suppose the drawings won’t go anywhere. Three hours, I will come back Oria.”
I stopped and glanced back and watched as he galloped away across the flower-filled meadow. He was an awesome sight with his hair blowing in the wind and his bow and quiver of arrows hanging over his shoulder. This place so often reminds me of something out of the past. It was like many stories that my grandmother had told me as I grew up.
White Bear is one who always hunts for fresh meat for the tribe. I supposed that was where he was headed now. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong however, and I knew that I needed some guidance. I certainly wasn’t going to run off with White Bear into an obscure cave, to look at some bizarre drawings on a wall. Not when I was feeling this uneasy. There was more to what was going on with him. Maybe The Great Spirit would have some revelations for me on this subject. Mostly I needed to know about Grey Wolf, and of course there were these dreams that haunt my every sleeping moment.
Right before I reached the waterfall, I stopped to pick a bouquet of the prettiest wild flowers. I needed an offering to gift to The Great Spirit. I released my horse knowing she wouldn’t go far, and placed my flowers on the stone in the gold and silver pond. It is so beautiful and tranquil here. Unlike the world of man, the colors in this world are very intense and vibrant. For the most part, a person can’t help but feel happy living here.
The meadow with the continuously blooming flowers, like Oria Falls and the gold and silver pond, had not
been here before the battle with the Ale. They are now an enjoyable addition to this magical land. After the Dwellers and I defeated the Ale, silver shards rained down everywhere. I found out in the weeks that followed, that the meadow and the falls with the pond had appeared. It wasn’t until many weeks later that I learned of the cave.
The Dwellers believe this is a gift from The Great Spirit. Now, it’s a place to give our blessings and pray for visions. I looked over at the waterfalls and thought I could have a look on my own; the cave is right beyond the falls. Then I thought better of it. No, I had better wait. White Bear made me uncomfortable about the whole situation. It also just seems wrong somehow that I go in alone.
With my decision made that I would speak with grandfather before I went into the cave, I started thinking how this world is so special with all of its enchanted and dazzling waterfalls. We are surrounded by the highest mystic mountains all around and with the tallest trees of Sugar Pines, White Firs and Giant Sequoias. There are mysterious caves and hundreds of luscious meadows. I sat down and unlaced my moccasins so that I could put my legs in the water. To let the little fish nibble at your feet is supposed to help with well-being. I leaned back on the grass and let my legs dangle there while I thought on White Bear’s words.
Looking up with the warmth of the sun on my face, I started to get a little drowsy. I closed my eyes and thought about Grey Wolf. His handsome face with his sparkling silver eyes came immediately into focus and I heard myself sigh. His raven black hair was blowing in the wind and I watched his lips in anticipation as they drew closer to me. I glanced up as his eyes turned a golden color and warmed for the kiss that was to come. Suddenly he shimmered and I felt my whole body grow cold. He drifted from my sight and in his place was White Bear.
I groaned inwardly because I wanted his image back. I tried very hard to refocus. There were things I needed to know but only White Bear remained. With his fine face and jade eyes smiling at me, this was the White Bear we all knew and loved. But again the image blurred and what I saw startled me. I could do nothing except stare unmoving for what seemed like forever. There in front of my sight, White Bear had shifted into what can only be described as an ancient medicine man, complete with the flowing headdress of feathers and a shirt of what appeared to be bones.
This ancient man wears leggings that are made out of leather with fringe all down the sides. His moccasins are knee-high. In his hand he carries a long wooden stick that has holes running down it. When he turned to face me, his deep set dark eyes started to glow. They were now a completely enflamed color of the brightest red. I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off of his. They were so much more than just mesmerizing. It was like he was trying to hypnotize me.
I struggled my way out of the spell. I witnessed a lone gleaming teardrop slide from his reddened eye upon his cheek. In slow motion it ran unchecked down to the bottom of his chin. I continued to watch as it fell to the bone plate armor and then was lost to my sight. I was afraid to look up at him again. Afraid he would this time achieve his goal in entrancing me. Already I couldn’t deny him. I squared my shoulders, lifted my head and looked into the eyes of his soul. I watched as his eyes became dark again. I could see the worry on his weathered old wrinkled face. I heard his voice very strong in my mind as his words bounced around in my head. “A very great vision is needed and the one who has it must follow as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky.”
Before my eyes the old man changed into a magnificent white bear with shimmering red eyes. I was standing there alongside of this beast with my arms wrapped around him. Hanging on to him tightly, I looked up into his face and watched as the glowing of his red eyes deepened. Soon they were the beautiful jade of White Bear’s. I couldn’t resist how happy I was and hugged him tightly to me. I then looked around us and noticed many people in a snow-covered village. I didn’t recognize these people. The strangers all happily walked into a fire at the center of the village and ascended into the smoke. I once again looked around and noticed that I did actually have some friends here in this strange land. I couldn’t tell who they all were, but I could feel we were all connected in some way. Just as I focused on one lone figure in particular, the vision became blurred. I tried to hang on to what I was seeing but it grew dimmer and all I could see was smoke. I heard music that was so sad sounding, it made my soul want to weep.
When the vision faded, I opened my eyes to the brightest rays of the sun shining intensely down upon my face. I sat up and looked all around me and then I felt a tickling at my toes. Without thinking, I snatched my feet out of the water and sat there for a minute trying to remember every bit of my vision. It was so very much like my dreams and I knew this was the future to come. What it all meant exactly, was something I had yet to learn. My feet had already mostly dried while I sat there and pondered on the vision.
Groaning about riddles I never completely understand, I put on my moccasins. As I laced them up, I thought more on what I had just witnessed. It wasn’t exactly the vision I had come for. I had hoped The Great Spirit would help in the answers about what had become of Grey Wolf. I didn’t understand anything that I had just observed. Remembering what grandmother had told me. I knew this was what I needed to know at this time, even if it wasn’t what I had hoped for.
I shook my head again and sighed, and looked towards the waterfall. I could certainly feel something beyond the falls pulling me towards it. I tried to shrug the feeling off, even though I could hear musical notes coming from there. “No, I am not going in the cave.” I said aloud. I felt kind of fuzzy and strange. But I no longer heard the sad music. I kept my eyes on the waterfall trying to see beyond it. It was dark but I didn’t feel any malice. There was just a glowing red light that flickered in the depths of the darkened cave. “I’ll need to consult with grandfather on this; certainly he will know what it all means.” I went over to where I had let Buttercup wander and we rode home as I hummed an Elvis tune. Suspicious Minds is a favorite and occasionally I would sing out loud. Man, I really miss my music sometimes.
I was almost to the village and I knew the day was passing quickly. I only had a short time to be back at the cave, where White Bear would be waiting. I needed to speak with grandfather first thing. After this vision, I was quite sure I didn’t want to meet White Bear alone. More importantly was the cave itself. White Bear was right about one thing, something strange was definitely going on in there.
Grandfather had just gotten back and he met me at the stables where I had just finished rubbing down Buttercup. I fed her another apple and closed the gate. He welcomed me like a loving granddaughter with a warm embrace. He started the conversation right away with the wisdom of his many years. “Good day granddaughter. I see by the confused look on your beautiful face, that you are troubled. Is this because the vision you were in search for is unclear to you?”
“Good day grandfather. Grandmother told you I was seeking a vision about Grey Wolf? This is not what my vision was about though. So yes, I am confused about this. I am more confused about the things I did see.” Grandfather took my arm in his and we walked through the village and down to the fruit orchards.
The orchards are where I could usually find him. He loved all the trees in the orchards. Grandfather grew and tended the fruit trees himself and spent much of his time orchards. They were constantly blooming and producing many different kinds of fruit. Every single piece of fruit is a pleasurable explosion in your mouth of the most fascinating flavors. Tangy and sweetness all in one bite that meet harmoniously on your tastebuds. To say he used his magic on them was an understatement. You will never find fruit like these in any of the worlds.
Grandfather loves the outdoors and you could also say he’s a woodsman. I had recently learned from grandmother that he is a Lesovik, which is a male woodland spirit. He is actually the Forest Lord. He has the palest skin and the brightest green eyes I have ever seen. He can also become any part of nature he wishes. Grandfather can be the tallest of trees to the smalles
t blade of grass. He can become anything in nature. I’ve witnessed many transformations from him, all more amazing than the next. One day I was sitting right next to him and didn’t even know it until he shifted. He was a splendidly red mushroom with white spots. I had just admired it before I sat down beside it. Deep in thought, my mind had wandered. Suddenly there was a shifting beside me and a puff of smoke and then grandfather was sitting where the mushroom had been.
With all of grandfather’s powers you would think he would dress in the finest of fashions, yet he looks like a peasant with his raggedy long smock. His arms are long and his sleeves seem too short for them. It never seems to bother him that his shoes are on backwards. Maybe his feet go in both directions. I’ve never seen them but that would make as much since as anything else does here. I often would pick the dried leaves from his long gray hair and beard and I used to wonder why he always has fragments all over him. Grandmother says it is because his hair and beard are made from living grass and vines. The leaves and twigs don’t bother grandfather, so I’ve learned to quit picking them off him. They are after all, a part of him. Every part of grandfather I’ve learned to love like he were my own flesh and blood. He’s very wise like my grandmother and full of knowledge from everywhere.
They both like to hang onto a good quote they’ve heard in their past somewhere, then give them to me when they feel it will help me understand the situation better. While I was thinking these thoughts, grandfather pulled me out of my musings. “What did your vision show you, Oria? You know of course we do not always get the vision that we hope for. Sometimes there are more important problems which The Great Spirit feels must be addressed.”