A Moment of Succor

I left the pens still looking like death warmed over .. and then set out to cool again. I was wishing I had a drink of fresh water .. or a small cup of blackwine ... anything really. The morning had been successful and irritating at the same time and I was simply tired and grumpy ... hosting a myriad of hurt feelings and the world did not look any better through bleary eyes and faltering step.

I was passing Sahli and Jaella's wagon when she greeted me with a calm quiet smile and I nodded to her .. meaning only to acknowledge her greeting for I had no intention to stay in the frame of mind I was in. But she jumped up and brought me a bota of water that had been kept cool in the shade .. and the gesture was one I needed so badly.

It could have been the warmth of her smile .. the friendly welcome in her eyes ... the coolness of the water or even simply the inviting glow of the small fire. Perhaps it was all of it combined for I was hungry for such and I fell into a crouch near the coals.

She offered me left overs from the midday meal with Sahli and asked me if I wanted to talk about what was wrong or simply enjoy the quiet peace of their fires. My heart warmed to the gestures .. so simplistic and so vital.

The mention of the food made me realize that I had not eaten the day before or yet that day and I was hungry. The stew sounded perfect. It tasted even better for it was flavored with understanding and kindness. It warmed my stomach in a much more healthy way than the paga had and gave me some seriously needed fuel.

We spoke of Sahli .. and several of his voices. Which was good .. I did not want to speak of all my problems or irritations. It would have come out as a bile filled vent or at the least a lot of negative. This conversation though serious was light and between friends. It was of encouragement and acknowledgement and lacked any judgement or condemnation. Jaella needed to know she was making the right decisions for herself .. and for Sahli. I told her she was. I told her she was good for him .. that despite Sahli's natural need to protect her .. she belonged with him. That she gave him a reason not to give in to the manipulations going on inside of him.

I left Sahli's fires with a full stomach and a more peaceful frame of mind thanks to a friend who reached out a hand of kindness and succor despite her own trials and frustrations. Today Jaella renewed my belief in my Tribe Family.