Asul

I kneel at the greenstone. It’s been here since before my mother’s mother and it has always brought me peace. Others say they can hear it whisper advice to them, but not me. I just talk and work out the answers I need.

Livius has been gone a long time. Raiders have been getting worse and worse and, as our leader, he’s decided to cut them off at their source. Davud has gone with him so Canhabibe and I have been staying together. She is due to have their first child any day now.

Livius and I haven’t been so lucky with children. The only one we’ve had born alive didn’t last long. I find myself wondering why I’m not jealous of Canhabibe, but I’m not. I’m just incredibly happy for my friend. I hope her husband makes it back to join the family.

I hope mine makes it back as well.

I tell all of this to the greenstone. I want the baby to be born strong and to live. The more I talk, the more I’m sure it will be. I can almost picture the three of them smiling and loving their life together.

The rain that has been falling heavily all day, seems to lighten as my mood does. As I assure myself all will be well and finally start to believe it, the rain ends completely and the greenstone shines in the sunlight. My mood is lifted, and I smile as I head back to Canhabibe. She needs my smiling face, not my worry. I can now give her what she needs.