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Dancing in the Weeds

Flowers in the soul

By Bianca HubbardPublished 2 years ago 19 min read
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Dancing in the Weeds
Photo by Parker Sturdivant on Unsplash

They walked into a quiet hovel, mouth dry and eyes weary. There we no frills. No bells and whistles. The establishment if it could be called that was bare bones and they appreciated that. They looked around and found there were empty benches and chairs scattered through out the room. The walls were once a light gray but now yellowed with age and remnants of old ink. The floors were a type of wood but sank in places from years of improper care. There were end tables of formica and particle board that crumbled in the slightly damp atmosphere.


Suade sat on one of the unforgiving benches and continued their calming breathes. Anxiety and nervous energy lingered like morning dew on a cool day while the conversation settled more in their mind. Their aunt had given a piece of news too large to ignore. Coming from a background of spiritual practitioners, it was common to take on a spirit guide.


A spirit guide was an animal or person that resonated with your soul. They had two main purposes:
1.) Help coach your being to their highest potential and unlock your own hidden talents.
2.) Give the divine markings of your soulmate to the Tuatu Mkolasi to prepare the vessel to receive them.


The Tuatu Mkolasi is considered like a prophet. They get their guidance from the Supreme being they serve. They usually study for decades before they sacrifice one of their blessings in return for access to the Holy Realms. It is rumored that the access is so immense that it kills the Tuatu before it

revives them in preparation for the power they will receive.


Suade took a few steady breaths as they mentally counted the scriptures they had to recite since childhood. It was not fun learning the information, but they knew it would be important on their path. They heard a soft hum come from the door in the corner. It was quiet enough that the sound of the street front had traveled down the long alley. They had not noticed the heavy incense that curled around the shop; cloying and dark. It seemed to pull them under a trance though they had not slipped so far to the scriptural fog.


Just as they felt their head nod, processing the non-visual data feed, the door opened and closed with a click. Eyes opened to see two people talking quietly and getting information on how to take care of the recent work. Losing interest in the person leaving, their eyes fell closed until a deep presence, heavy as Jupiter’s gravity took the air from their lungs. Maple colored eyes bugged comically as they looked at the person in front of them.


Looking no more than the ripe age of 12, the Tuatu Mkolasi studied Suade’s features. They had clear blue eyes that were like quicksilver diluted with a drop of denim tint. The nose was button like but the bridge, skewed as if broken and not set correctly. The lips were fixed in a flat line as the bottom lip was worried between two rows of off-white teeth. The eyes were staring thru Suade and weren’t sure how to make of the churning in their throat and stomach. The Tuatu Mkolasi scowled as Suade looked on stupidly, uncertain of how their presence was insulting and unsure how to proceed.


“Fix that look off your face, Dualist. You’re wasting my time.” The voice was confusing as it was soft as anything feminine and hard as any masculine being on the street. The tone was finite as if patience was a concept never learned. The Tuatu turned and walked back to the worn door that barely squeaked with age turning to look at Suade again in agitation.


“COME ALONG!” The voice sounded like many in a room, a chorus of speech rushing from one point and drawing an updraft into the room, blowing Suade’s rich mahogany curls about. They jumped up and crossed the space in only three steps moving to no longer annoy the prophet. They heard the sigh of exhaustion as they entered the room and took position. The Tuatu walked to the plush violet cushion on the floor and knelt down slowly. They grabbed small cases from the low cabinet beside them.


There were two cups and an obsidian bowl placed on an intricately woven piece of silk. It was colored in the shades of space and the Spirit Gates. Deep blacks, cool, rich, plums and cerulean with iridescent pearl tones splattered inconsistently among the fabric. The prophet took another case with a long bone shard filed and honed into a point. It rested ominously behind the bowl and cups. Soon, a bag of herbs appeared as the small hands sorted through a hefty bag of stone chips. Looking and muttering to themselves, the Tuatu found fragments of moonstone, labradorite, hematite, sapphire and emerald auralite. And placed them in each cup. A small dropper and dual edge blade completed the table. Soon, pale denim eyes looked back at the dualist at the door and motioned to the long, flat floor cushion where a pillow rested.


Suade hadn’t realized they never moved. They stood still, intrigued, and soothed by the methodic and deliberate actions. Each motion had purpose and meaning, it had ensnared Suade like never before. Walking in more relaxed that when they first arrived, they sat across from the prophet but made no other moves. They sat in silence for a moment before the more effeminate voice lulled out statements looking for the dualist to confirm or deny the information presented.

“You are out of balance. You’re unsure if you have a spirit guide that can ground your dual nature.” The voice was light and airy, calming like a cool breeze in the depths of summer heat. Lush curls nodded as they looked down at their crossed legs and the table.



“Your natural two spirits war with one another causing your unrest.” Another nod. The small hands reached for the eccentric kettle they never saw during the preparations.


“Your training has spoke of spirit guides and soulmates but with your nature, you have begun to doubt the spiritual path wrote in your stars.” They hesitated to respond as the hands scooped a full teaspoon of leaves in each cup before pouring the hot water over the contents of each cup.

“Your lack of answer confirms what you know deep within.” The voice had once again taken on that deep, masculine baritone that left no room for argument. Letting out a slow breath, they met the Tuatu Mkolasi’s eyes for the first time since walking in the room.


“I was told recent of my dual natures. I have always been off kilter and unsure of how to proceed. I’m not drawn to most people like people my age. I can’t progress without a spirit guide. But is my nature too much for a guide to take on? Am I worthy of forging a partnership if I can’t settle myself?” The question that was unspoken, screamed louder in the silence between words.
Even with my training, how can they think I’m worthy of this blessing?” Both individuals sat there mulling over their thoughts.

“Drink. Clear your mind. Let me work.” The voice back to melodic alto as they too picked up a cup and began to sip slowly. After a few moments, the prophet took the dropper and touched Suade’s hand to still them. Taking three full drops of their tea, it was released into the empty bowl. Shortly, they repeated the same steps on their own drink. Suade watched as the Tuatu picked up the blade and nicked their thumb. Watched as the deep, oxygen rich blood bubbled up to the tip. Watched as the blood was mixed into the bowl and the blade wiped thoroughly clean. Steely blue eyes lock on them as they held a palm up waiting on something to be placed there. Suade had no doubt that it was their unmarked flesh being requested.


“Do you consent to me as a vessel of the Supreme One, to procure you life’s blood? It’s use explicitly for Spirit Bonding?”


“I, Suade Vasili de Overona, consent to Tuatu Mkolasi’s procurement of my life blood. Please guard it with the utmost care.” The look in the gray eyes softened as they nodded and proceeded to puncture the flesh.

The drops shown in the dim light as they too were added to the mixture. Teacups emptied and tea jar put away, a small satchel was withdrawn from the cabinet. A tiny shovel was pulled out and placed two scoops of a shimmering silver powder in the pink, red mixture turning it a deep obsidian, not unlike the bowl holding it.


The prophet pointed at the rest of the cushion and moves their flat palm downwards. Suade took the hint smoothly and laid back, preparing for the next parts. The Tuatu moved to kneel behind their head. Long, slender digits took place on either side, easing the brown locks of hair back, off the temples. The dualist, unsure of what to expect, tensed at the energy collecting around them. Feeling the energy have a warm pulse eased some of their nervousness allowing them to relax into the cushion. They felt one hand skim down to their heart and the chorus of voices chanted. Words flew over their head as the language was old. No, it was ancient. Nothing more than a whisper of the past the world knows nothing of.


There was a groan and the room seemed to heat unexpectedly. The voices rose and the heat, they discovered was coming from their chest. The groans were theirs. They were looking at their body! None of these things appealed to them but they trusted the prophet. They watched the hand on their chest reach in and pull out a brilliantly glowing orb. Watching the other hand that was resting on their temples move to the crown chakra, Suade felt snatched into a dizzying display of vertigo. Eyes fluttering open, they realized they were back in their body and the glow was above them taking shape.


Slowly, the ball grew and shifted until a cat like creature formed. Taking in the fading light, the creature was not quite cat like as first believed. It was the size of a small painted leopard, but its coat was a military navy blue. It had two sets of slitted eyes with blue topaz-colored irises that looked at them in consideration. The animal had four legs like usual, but it had two, long, whipping tails with a tuft of fur at the end flicking lazily. Suade’s eyes widened and cleared their throat before calling the creature’s name.


Siobhan?” The four eyes seemed to blink in confirmation and its mouth stretched into a vulpine smile. Their caramel eyes looked at the prophet and took in their haggard state. The loose white waves were damp with sweat, and they could feel the minor trembles from the small frame behind them. Feeling the creature shift, it moved to place a paw on the prophet’s lap, eyes slightly narrowed as it waited for response. Seeming pleased with the non-verbal answer, the spirit guide moved to lay across Suade’s torso, finding it to be a suitable place to rest. Releasing the breath, they had been holding, they felt the commands before the voice spoke. Siobhan moved after tossing a perturbed look at both parties. Easing the shirt open, Suade flushed slightly. While being called a dualist, they were completely dual. From the misshapen, flat male like chest that has the slight roundness and capability of single gendered feminine bodies. Knowing what lied below the heavy jeans, they swallowed the climbing anxiety, dysmorphia and uncertainty. Seeing the bone needle dip into the bowl made them take in a deep breath, preparing for the sensation they didn’t know how to anticipate. They noticed the way Siobhan looked between them and they felt instantly relieved. A tap on the shoulder made the dualist look to the young prophet.


“Focus on my eyes. Match my breathing.” Suade mimicked the breathing. Deep rumbles left their chests as they fell in sync creating a trance like state. They never noticed the deft, efficient pokes that left the ink mixture under their skin. Never noticed the way the silver blue orbs took on an otherworldly sheen as they shone a milky white. Suade was trapped in their own mind, floating in a space between dimensions where pain and time were relative. They could feel the bond strengthening between themselves and the spirit guide, leaving a contented haze. They also could feel the prophet’s clean, chilly, ebb and flow of spiritual energy. It wove and knitted to their being and beckoned the bone shard to channel and deposit the ethereal matter. Suade felt nothing but peace, longing and purpose flow through their being. Suddenly, a warm, ember seemed to blossom in their sternum. It was gentle like a heater on low. But soon that changed. Their bones felt cold as iron forged in secret all while the warmth bloomed into a smoldering inferno. Skin felt as if scored by acid tipped blades as a primal cacophony blared to life in sweat slick temples.


The chill of the prophet’s magic became the only focal point as Suade felt their body grow numb and sensitive in the same sweep. Feeling the non-verbal command, the dualist offered their wrist to Siobhan. Teeth pierced the skin, and their body went limp. Their body slowly relaxed as the previous strain eased out like air from a balloon. The room was quiet but for the sounds of panting and calming heartbeats. The prophet moved to give them more room to sit up and collect themselves.


No words were exchanged immediately as they tried to process what their body had underwent. There was a piercing hum of energy centered in their chest, vaguely radiating from the new pattern that adorned their newly marred flesh. The prophet produced what was a hand mirror with an ornate frame. It was burnished steel with vines carved out the frame supporting the glass. In the handle was shards of lapis lazuli stones laid like a path up the detailed grip. Suade hadn’t noticed it before, but their hands were shaking. Whether it was from the lack of food, or the stress of the recent ordeal remained unseen.


Inlaid between flesh of self-shamed glory was a design of beauty. Small, gardenia blooms floated gracefully between the chest mounds. The delicate petals spread round like a pinwheel in motion. Each one coiled around soft peony flowers and petals. They were tinted in hues from pea green to white with a tinge of green. They looked to be on a windy dance floor twining graceful as the planets glide among the stars. Small stones formed and glimmered in the dim light between the petals. Every one twinkled a shade of translucent pink or coral to bring simplicity to the stunning image. Long, slender fingers traced the outline of a petal, feeling the nail trace the lines in awe. They never noticed being helped from the floor as Siobhan walked at their side from the closed off room.


“Get dressed. I have other things to tend to.” The tenor presented itself and looked away from the dualist, annoyance a common look on youthful features. The rustle of cloth echoed like bombs in a movie as the shirt was replaced. Suade offered a hand to shake, but glacier blue stared as if it were dipped in muck and soaked in raw sewage. Awkwardly, they moved the hand to forcefully tuck in their back pocket, shoulders still tense from the atmosphere. Nodding once more, they walked out the door, cat like guide sharp on their heels.

Four Years Later…

Mead colored eyes walked down through the local farmer’s market. The people never took more than a glance at them meandering around. Their features were never super memorable to passersby and busy onlookers. The air was full of dew as the sun had not heated enough to dry nature’s sweat. Some people had produce, and various wares like pottery and art. It was not the reason for the visit.


They had been tracking a spirit trapped in this world, but it had vanished with the daylight. Siobhan was in full hunt awareness as the four eyes turned in every direction. The fanned ears twitched at every frequency near them. The dualist simultaneously looked at energy readings on a spiritual gage. The functionality was off because it never seemed to read the red miasma. The substance known as "Red Miasma" is the tainted blood of the Emgele Boon- Iyr's Children. They looked like any normal person but their aura bled a sickening red. It corrupted their body and soul. Normally they fed on the life and spirit energy but in the last decade, developed a taste for Tuatus, Dualists and Faerilyn flesh. Suade had their work cut out for them as this being proved to be difficult to track. They leaned back in the bench as they tried to sense the trace.


On the outside, to someone untrained, Siobhan looked like a standard issue dog that no young person would look crazy having. Those trained would see the miniature pony sized cat spirit lazily swishing twin tails. Blue topaz locked on a small corner of the market that they had missed. Suade stood up and followed the beast. In the years they worked together and trained, they trusted each other's intuition.


There was a stall with arrangements and flowers galore. The fragrant blooms sent their perfume skyward painting the market in cheery aromas, clinging to the tents fluttering in the subtle breeze.


They watched Siobhan walk over and lay a few yards from the actual booth. They both paid attention to the people perusing the warm event, some stopping to inquire about the varieties of flora spread around.


“I promise I am not inclined to feel around to attack.” Suade stood still, mulling the words in their head. For the average plebian milling about, it looked like an ambiguous man with his dog looking at a young lady selling floral arrangements. His stance would be construed as being calm, relaxed and at ease. His dog, a picture of well-bred training. The young lady sat there peaceably at the table weaving and coiling strand of stem after stem around each other to create a comely decorative piece.
That was very far from the truth.


Suade’s whiskey eyes were sharp as Siobhan walked up to the lady and greeted her with lowered head. Short, slender fingers on small, fragile palms felt to the creatures head. She ghosted her hands as if creating a map of its face. Sea glass colored eyes were dim of sight but a spectrum of life.
“I've been around for some time but I have never encountered a Zafeirot with this strong of spiritual awareness.” The women looked in their general direction as they watched Siobhan lay their head on her lap, content with being treated as a house pet.


“You have been bound for a short span of time, yes?” They felt their head begin to nod before stuttering out a soft yes. Her giggle sounded light, a tiny tapping of nails on dainty glass.


Suade’s eyes roved over her form. She appeared to be off average height. Her wide smile was friendly and warm, showing off white teeth with slightly elongated canines. There was a tiny stud of amber situated on her nose. The winds tousled her waves like ribbons on an airborne kite. The sun reflected off the strands dyed a cool, golden blond. They found themselves being intrigued by her words. She looked to be in her early twenties but the face of the Tuatu Mkolasi weighed heavy in their thoughts. Subconsciously, their hand reached to where the soulmate mark was . They felt a tiny hum of energy, no more that a brief shock as their other hand caressed a tiny yellow rose tipped in vibrant red. The bud was plump and sinfully soft as it reminded them of Peach Melba sorbet.

“While white and green tease you in the soulscape, this is much more amazing. This is a person that gives you friendship and companionship, combines your dualist natures into a complete compliment of yourself. Over time, it will deepen to a love so pure it will outlive time! A silent bond will form introducing you as equals. The future will explain the past’s present and shift your lifespans into a gateway none have seen.” No longer was her voice a shift and airy dance but a firm and haunting read. They noticed her beautiful eyes had shifted to a violet pink that glowed with ancient magic unknown to their teachings.

Her hand paused and waived them closer as her eyes were returned to the previous clear aqua tone. Suade moved cautiously to sit by Siobhan. She was dressed in a purple, gauze skirt that had a long, sweeping hem. She wore a black button up t-shirt with silvery, purple buttons. The sleeves were puffed and gave and gave her smooth arms a long, lean appeal.

"Tell me dualist, what may I call you?" The voice returned to the tinkering, bell like tone that was pleasant to their ears. It was melodic and peaceable and Suade only knew one thing. After seeing how Siobhan relaxed, it was clear.

"I'm Suade Overona." Their voice was small but stronger since they started training with Siobhan. The creatures natural confidence and strong understanding of emotion made it a good tutor. Knowing that they needed this woman to make things make sense of their own mind, they asked her name and was struck quiet again.


“My name is Rose “Spirit Weaver” Garret and I'm your mate.” The woman, Rose, pulled over the edge of her shirt to her expose her collarbone painted in the same beautiful petal work scrawled on their chest. Siobhan let out a soft trill at the connection with her spirit guide creating a new bond.
Suade was stunned. They weren't looking for that half of their soul. A cold sweat broke out before they looked back at the beautiful, unfocused pale blue-green eyes. The confidence hidden in those orbs encouraged them to take a deep breath. Though it was sudden, they saw no reason to panic. Looking at how their soul guides bound themselves so easily only solidified their urge to see this through.

Glad to be sitting rather than upright, a calm washed through them as the sound of the world paused and their hearing sharpened. Suddenly able to tune out the world sounds, the chatter around them no longer allowed. The various stall owners trying to out reduce each other, while trying to create a profit no longer drowning out the sounds of children laughing at the animals people brought along with them. No longer did the wind carry in the fragrant balloons through the market seems so bright. And in that moment, the only thing that mattered was this lovely woman before them and the fact that she beat the odds in finding them.

Fantasy
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About the Creator

Bianca Hubbard

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." --Anaïs Nin

I love to write, read, and laugh! I can be found reading fanfiction, spending time with my nieces and nephews or relaxing with my cat after work.

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