My First Gathering

Another uneventful month has gone by. The only thing that seemed a little different was the urge to go on another hiking trip. Dreams keep slipping into my mind about that clearing and the fire. Those people who are they. I had to find out.

The seasons were starting to change. Fall was on the way. The dreams of that clearing are creeping more and more into my dreams.

The thoughts of that clearing are starting to invade my daydreams.

Unintentionally I have been gathering the things I want to take with me this time. I guess it will be another overnight trip since a sleeping bag is in the pile. Water and some dried foods make up more of the stash. A fire starter. Some rope and my trusty camp knife along with my walking staff round out the things for my day pack. Cannot forget a small pot and a cup for my morning coffee. Must have coffee.

Friday comes and the urge to go is unbearable. Quitting time gets me on the road. Will I be able to find that place again? Will anyone be there? I will find out soon.

The parking lot is empty when I arrive. I get my stuff and start down the path. No hesitation. I seem to know which way to go. After what felt like forever I stopped. The path went forward but I needed to veer off. Into the woods, I went. Shortly after topping a hill, I saw a clearing. Down in the small hollow not visible from the path was what I was looking for. How did I find it last time?

I set my stuff just inside the wood line.

I gathered some wood for a small fire. Dinner was light but the coffee was good. I don’t know why but coffee seems to relax me.

As darkness fell I began to get sleepy. I had planned to stay up all night but that didn’t happen. Sleep came quickly. My inner guardian didn’t make his presence known but I knew he was there.

Sometime after midnight, I woke up to the brightness of the moon. It was almost full. There was no one around. I could see as if it was daytime. The shadows were somewhat eerie but they were comforting. My inner guardian has not aroused so no threat around. I relaxed again and slept for the rest of the night.

Morning brought no surprises. I gathered my stuff and rebuilt the fire. Coffee this time got the cobwebs from my brain. A cereal bar was good enough for a little breakfast.

I gathered more wood. Probably more than I would need for the weekend. Stacked near where I slept and just out of the way. But out of the way of what?

Around noon I felt an awareness awaken. I knew something was up but this time nothing threatening.

Someone was approaching. A man stepped out of the woods.

I hoped you would be here.

He too had a small pack and set it close to where I was.

Like it or not you are now a part of our future now. Your offspring has been chosen. She will be the new leader of our clan. She will be named Destiny. The high priestess and our connection to the gods. Like her mother, she will lead our group down the path of our destiny.

In time we will discover who you are. Will you be our protector, enforcer, teacher, guide, or just add your powers to what we have?

I need to rest now. Tonight we start to get to know you.