Chapter 12: Calling
The sun had barely begun its ascent, casting a soft, golden glow upon the village of Oakfurt as Annie stirred from her slumber. She rose from her bed, her body still heavy with the remnants of sleep, and made her way to the small wooden hanger on the wall where her sacred attire hung, washed and ready from the previous night. She had taken great care to clean it upon her return from the feast, wanting it to be pristine for the day ahead.
As she reached for the hanger, her fingers brushed against the soft, cool silk of her top, and she couldn't help but admire the delicate golden patterns that adorned it. She had always taken pride in her attire, seeing it as a symbol of her dedication to the Divine Mother Nature and her service as a priestess. She slipped the top over her head, the silk gliding smoothly against her skin, and adjusted it so that it clung to her curves, leaving much of her chest exposed and accentuating her cleavage.
Next, she stepped into her skirt, the flowing white silk rustling softly as it settled around her hips and rested delicately on her pelvic bones.
The high slits on both sides revealed her thighs and calves, and she could feel the cool air against her skin as she moved. She secured the skirt with a simple knot at her waist, ensuring that it would not slip or fall as she moved throughout the day.
As she finished dressing, she couldn't help but admire her reflection in the small mirror hanging on the wall. Her golden belt encircled her hips, accentuating her curves and reminding her of her sacred duty to remain pure and chaste. She reached up and adjusted the golden pendant that hung around her neck, the one with her name inscribed on it. It was a symbol of her love and devotion to the Divine Mother Nature.
She took a deep breath, her heart swelling with pride and determination. She was ready to face the day, ready to continue her duties as a priestess and serve the Divine Mother Nature.
With a determined nod to herself in the mirror, she turned and made her way out of her room, her silk skirts rustling softly around her ankles.
The house was quiet, save for the distant chirping of birds outside, as she made her way to the kitchen. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a soft glow through the window and illuminating the simple, rustic room.
Annie looked around, her eyes falling on the small pantry in the corner. She opened the door, revealing a variety of ingredients stored within. Her gaze fell on a large, orange pumpkin, its skin rough and textured. An idea sparked in her mind, and she reached for it, pulling it out of the pantry.
"Pumpkin soup," she murmured to herself, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's hearty, warm, and perfect for a chilly morning like this." She placed the pumpkin on the counter, her mind already racing with the recipe.
She would need some onions, garlic, and perhaps a touch of thyme to bring out the flavor. She rummaged through the pantry, her fingers brushing against the cool, earthen jars that held the spices and herbs. She found what she was looking for and set to work, chopping and dicing with practiced ease.
As she cooked, she hummed a soft tune, her voice filling the quiet kitchen with a melody that was both soothing and uplifting. The scent of the pumpkin, onions, and garlic filled the air, a comforting aroma that promised a warm and hearty meal.
Annie hummed a soft tune as she stirred the soup, her eyes fixed on the bubbling mixture. She poured the soup into a large pot, the golden liquid glistening under the soft glow of the morning sun. As she brought the pot to the dining room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. She had always taken pride in her cooking, seeing it as a way to nourish and comfort those around her.
She placed the pot on the table, the heat from the soup causing the steam to rise and fill the room. She took two plates from the cupboard, her hands brushing against the cool, smooth surface. She ladled the soup into each plate, the golden liquid sloshing gently as she filled them. She added a sprinkle of fresh thyme to each plate, the delicate aroma mingling with the scent of the pumpkin.
As she set the plates on the table, a knock came from the front door. Annie wiped her hands on her skirt and made her way to the entrance. Upon opening the door, she found Aaron standing there, his eyes wide with excitement and his cheeks flushed from the morning chill.
"Annie!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with childish enthusiasm.
Annie smiled at him, her heart warming at his eagerness. "Good morning, Aaron," she said, stepping aside to let him in. "I was just about to have breakfast. Would you like to join me?"
Aaron's eyes lit up at the invitation, and he nodded eagerly. "I'd love to, Annie!" he said, following her into the dining room.
As they sat down, Aaron's eyes widened at the sight of the steaming plates of soup.
"Annie, this looks delicious!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. Annie smiled, her heart warming at his enthusiasm. "I'm glad you think so, Aaron," she said, picking up another plate and setting it in front of him. "I made it myself this morning."
Annie then excused herself, standing up from the table and making her way towards the door. "I'll be right back," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "I need to wake Granny Triga for breakfast." Aaron nodded, his eyes never leaving the plate of soup in front of him. "Of course, Annie," he said, his mouth already watering at the thought of the warm, hearty meal.
Annie made her way down to Granny Triga's room, her silk skirts rustling softly with each step. She knocked gently on Granny Triga's door, her heart filled with a sense of anticipation.
"Granny Triga," she called out softly, "the breakfast is ready. I've made pumpkin soup, just as you like it." There was a moment of silence before they heard the old woman's voice, groggy from sleep. "Coming, child," Granny Triga replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Annie waited patiently, her eyes fixed on the closed door. After a few moments, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and the door creaked open to reveal Granny Triga, her white hair disheveled and her eyes still heavy with sleep. "Good morning, Annie," she said, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
"And who do we have here?" she asked, her eyes falling on Aaron, who sat eagerly at the table, his eyes fixed on the steaming plates of soup.
Aaron looked up at Granny Triga, his face breaking into a wide smile. "Good morning, Granny Triga," he said, his voice filled with respect and deference. "Annie invited me for breakfast. I hope you don't mind."
Granny Triga chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Of course not, child," she said, making her way to the table. "It's always a pleasure to have company for breakfast. Now, let's not let this delicious soup get cold." Granny Triga took her seat at the table, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she looked at Aaron. "So, Aaron, what brings you to our humble abode this morning?" Granny Triga asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity as she took her seat at the table.
Aaron's eyes sparkled with excitement as he replied, "I've come to see my sister, Annie." He looked at Annie with a playful grin, and she couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. Granny Triga chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she joined in the laughter.
"Your sister, you say?" Granny Triga said, her voice filled with amusement. "Well, I suppose that makes sense."
Annie shook her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Aaron, you know I'm not your actual sister. But I do consider you a brother in my heart."
Aaron's grin widened, and he reached out to take Annie's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "And I consider you my sister, Annie.
I always wanted an older sister, you know," Aaron said, his eyes shining with sincerity as he took a spoonful of the steaming pumpkin soup. "Someone to look up to, to teach me things, and to share secrets with."
Granny Triga chuckled warmly, "Well, it seems like you've found one in Annie, Aaron. Now, let's enjoy this delicious soup before it gets cold." She took a spoonful herself, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she watched Aaron and Annie share a smile over their breakfast.
"This soup is truly a delight," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "But tell me, Annie, is everything alright with you? I sense a certain unease."
Annie looked up from her bowl, her eyes meeting Granny Triga's gaze. "I'm fine, Granny Triga," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "I was just thinking about something."
Granny Triga's eyes narrowed slightly, her intuition telling her that there was more to Annie's words than she was letting on. "Alright, child," she said, her voice filled with concern. "If there's something on your mind, I'm here to listen. What's troubling you?"
Annie took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the golden liquid in her bowl. "I was wondering if you could tell me where your late husband and daughter are buried," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I would like to pray for them."
Granny Triga's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. "Of course, child," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "They are buried at our favorite fishing spot by the river. It's a peaceful place, just over the hill from here."
Annie nodded, a sense of determination in her eyes. "I would like to go there after breakfast, if that's alright with you," she said.
Granny Triga smiled softly at Annie, her heart filled with affection. "Of course, child," she said. "I'll take you there myself."
As they finished their breakfast, Annie and Granny Triga rose from the table, their eyes meeting in a silent understanding. They knew the importance of the task ahead, and the gravity of the journey they were about to embark upon. Annie stood, her silk skirts rustling softly as she made her way towards the door. Granny Triga followed suit, her gnarled hands gripping the back of her chair as she rose to her feet.
"Annie," Aaron said, his voice filled with eagerness as he looked up from his empty plate. "Can I come with you?"
Annie turned to face him, her eyes softening at the sight of his hopeful expression. She knew that Aaron had always been curious about the world around him, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at his desire to learn more about the past. She looked at Granny Triga, seeking her approval, and the old woman nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"Of course, Aaron," she said. "It's always good to have company on such a journey." With that, they set off, just about a quarter of the day, the sun already high in the sky. The path was familiar to Granny Triga, and she led the way with a steady, surefooted stride. Annie and Aaron followed, their footsteps falling in sync with one another.
As they walked, Annie couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had never been to the grave of Granny Triga's husband and daughter before, and she couldn't help but wonder what she would find there. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.
The path led them through a dense thicket of trees, the leaves above casting dappled shadows on the ground below.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and the gentle hum of bees going about their business. Annie couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her as they walked, the natural beauty of the world around her a stark contrast to the turmoil that often plagued her thoughts.
As they emerged from the thicket, they found themselves standing at the edge of a small clearing. In the center of the clearing, a simple wooden cross marked the grave of Granny Triga's husband and daughter. The cross was weathered and worn, the paint long since faded, but it still stood tall and proud, a testament to the love and devotion that Granny Triga had for her family.
As they approached the grave, Granny Triga's voice filled with a mix of sadness and fondness as she spoke, "This was their favorite spot, you know. They loved to come here and fish, the two of them. It was a peaceful place, just like it is now."
Annie's heart ached at the thought of the joy and happiness that Granny Triga's family must have shared in this very spot. She could almost see them, laughing and playing by the river, their faces lit up with the pure joy of childhood. But then, Granny Triga's voice grew somber as she continued, "But it was also the place where they were attacked. A band of bandits, they were. They took everything from us, and left us with nothing but grief and despair."
Annie's heart went out to Granny Triga, and she reached out to take the old woman's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"I'm so sorry, Granny Triga," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine sympathy. "I can't imagine the pain you must have felt."
Granny Triga looked up at Annie, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, child," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "It's been a long time, but the memories still hurt." She took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the simple wooden cross that stood before them. "But enough of that. Let's focus on the present. This is a place of peace and healing, and I want you to feel that too."
Annie nodded, her eyes filled with determination. She knelt down in front of the grave, her silk skirts rustling softly as they settled around her. She clasped her hands together, her eyes closed as she began to pray.
"Divine Mother Nature," she whispered, her voice filled with humility and devotion.
"I am but a humble servant and vessel of your grace. Today, I come to this sacred ground to ask for your divine intervention. Please, grant peace to the souls of Granny Triga's husband and daughter, who rest here in this hallowed place. Let them find solace and comfort in your eternal embrace, and may their spirits be at peace." Annie's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her heart filled with a deep sense of reverence and love for the Divine Mother Nature.
As she prayed, Annie could feel the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves above, as if the very trees themselves were listening to her words.
She could sense Aaron's curious gaze upon her, his innocent mind no doubt filled with questions about the strange ritual he was witnessing. She smiled to herself, knowing that his curiosity would soon get the better of him.
"Annie?" Aaron asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he leaned in closer to her. "Are you trying to bring Granny Triga's husband and daughter back to life with your prayers?"
Annie opened her eyes and turned to face Aaron, her heart warming at the sight of his eager, inquisitive expression. She couldn't help but chuckle at his innocent question, knowing that he was simply trying to make sense of the world around him.
"No, Aaron," she said, her voice gentle and patient. "Prayers like these are meant to bring comfort and peace to those who have passed on.
They are a way for us to honor their memory and express our love for them, even after they have left this world behind," Annie explained, her voice soft and soothing.
Aaron nodded, his eyes wide with understanding. "I see," he said, his voice filled with newfound respect for Annie's faith. "So, you're not trying to bring them back to life, but rather, you're helping them find their way to a better place?"
Annie smiled at Aaron, her heart swelling with affection for the young boy. "Exactly, Aaron," she said. "And not only that, but I also pray for their souls to guide and protect us in our daily lives.
For they too were children of the Divine Mother Nature, and their love and wisdom live on in her embrace."
Aaron's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked up at Annie, his young mind eager to learn more about the divine. "Annie, tell me more about this Divine Mother Nature. I've heard tales of her, but I know not her true nature."
Annie smiled warmly at Aaron, her heart filled with love for the young boy. "The Divine Mother Nature, Aaron, is the source of all life and creation. She is the mother of all things, from the smallest blade of grass to the mightiest oak.
She is the giver of life, the nurturer of growth, and the taker of death. She is the embodiment of nature itself, and her will is the very essence of the world around us.
Aaron's eyes widened with awe as he listened to Annie's words, his young mind struggling to comprehend the vastness of the divine being she spoke of. "But...but how can we serve such a great and powerful being?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Annie smiled at Aaron, her heart warmed by his eagerness to learn. "We serve her through our actions, Aaron," she said, her voice gentle and patient.
"By living in harmony with nature, by caring for the land and its creatures, and by treating all living things with kindness and respect. That is how we honor the Divine Mother Nature and become vessels of her grace."
Aaron nodded, his eyes shining with newfound understanding. "I see," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "So, even the smallest acts of kindness can be a form of worship?"
Annie smiled at him, her heart swelling with pride. "Indeed, Aaron," she said. "The Divine Mother Nature is present in all things, and she sees all that we do.
She is the source of life and the giver of grace."
As Annie finished her prayer, she opened her eyes and turned to face Aaron, a soft smile playing on her lips. But before she could speak, a sudden rustling in the bushes behind them caused them to turn around in surprise.
Two soldiers emerged from the thicket, their armor glinting in the sunlight and their faces stern and serious. They approached Annie and Granny Triga, their boots crunching on the gravel beneath them.
"Good morrow, ladies," one of the soldiers said, his voice gruff and authoritative. "We were sent by Baron Alexander to find Mistress Clattervaart. Might you be her?"
Annie and Granny Triga exchanged a puzzled glance, their brows furrowing in confusion. "I am Annie Clattervaart," Annie said, her voice steady and calm despite the unexpected interruption. "But I am no mistress. I am but a humble priestess of the Divine Mother Nature," Annie replied, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and curiosity. The soldiers exchanged a glance, their expressions unchanging.
"Baron Alexander has requested your presence at his keep, Priestess Clattervaart," the other soldier said, his voice as stern as his companion's. "It is a matter of great importance, and he has sent us to escort you there." The first soldier turned to Granny Triga, his voice taking on a note of respect.
"Elderwoman Triga, we are to escort Priestess Clattenvaart to Baron Alexander's keep. We have his explicit orders to ensure her safe passage." Granny Triga's eyes narrowed as she regarded the soldiers, her expression unreadable. "I see," she said, her voice as stern as the soldiers' own.
She turned to Annie, her gaze holding a silent question. Annie met Granny Triga's eyes, her heart pounding with a mix of trepidation and determination. She knew that she had been called to serve, and she would not shirk from her duty, no matter the danger.
Granny Triga's brow furrowed slightly, her eyes searching Annie's face for any sign of hesitation. But Annie's expression remained steadfast, her resolve unwavering. Granny Triga nodded slowly, a subtle signal of approval and support. Annie took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.
She turned to the soldiers, her voice calm and polite. "Gentlemen, I appreciate your concern and the Baron's summons. However, I do not require an escort. I will make my way to the Baron's keep alone." She paused, her eyes softening as she looked at Granny Triga and Aaron. "I would be most grateful, however, if you could escort Granny Triga and Aaron back to the village. I would not want them to venture alone through the woods." "Begging your pardon, Priestess Clattenvaart," the first soldier said, his voice gruff but respectful. "We have our orders from Baron Alexander himself. We are to ensure your safe passage to his keep."
Annie nodded, understanding their duty. "I appreciate your dedication to your duties, soldiers," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "But I must insist.
Granny Triga and Aaron's safety is my utmost priority," Annie said, her voice filled with determination. The soldiers exchanged a glance, their stern expressions softening slightly at the sincerity in her tone. "We understand your concern, Priestess Clattenvaart," the first soldier said, his voice taking on a note of respect. "But we have our orders. We cannot disobey them." Annie nodded, her eyes meeting Granny Triga's and Aaron's. "I understand," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "But I also understand that you cannot disobey your orders. Therefore, I propose a compromise. You escort me to the Baron's keep, and in return, I will ensure that Granny Triga and Aaron are safely returned to the village. I will not leave until I know they are safe." The soldiers looked at each other, their expressions thoughtful. After a moment, the first soldier nodded, his voice filled with respect.
"Very well, Priestess Clattenvaart. We will ensure that Elderwoman Triga and Aaron are safely returned to the village." Annie nodded, her heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you, soldiers," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "I appreciate your understanding and cooperation."
The soldiers turned to Granny Triga and Aaron, their expressions stern once more. "Elderwoman Triga, Aaron, we will escort you back to the village. Please, follow us." Granny Triga nodded, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at Annie. "Be careful, child," she said, her voice filled with worry about Annie's venturing alone.
Annie sent a smile of comfort towards Granny Triga, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and reassurance. "I will be fine, Granny," she said, her voice steady and calm. "I have faith in the Divine Mother Nature's protection." With that, Annie turned and began to walk towards the Baron's keep over the hill, her silk skirts rustling softly against the grass.