Chapter Thirty-Five

The elder lady introduced herself to Atohmma when they all sat at the table. Atohmma had cookies and juice already prepared for her guests and she offered them to have some. "Thank you, my child, Ummm... these cookies are tasty, did you make them? said the elder lady. "Yes, I did. I love making snacks and I am well known for my cookies back at my village," said Atohmma happily. The elder lady said, "Very well. They call me Lady Petal, here in our village, but my name is Pearl. I am the medicine woman and midwife among my people. I train some of the young lady elves who carry similar abilities and powers like myself, and who have an instinct for the herbs. I help them through their pregnancies and giving birth. Our lineage is very important to us. Here you will notice many of the lady elves, keeping themselves busy with handiwork and chores, but many others train as warriors and look after the forests. The men have their duties as well. Some, like Frisky here, are given roles by birth. If their bloodline consisted of masons or warriors, they are trained that way for a continuance of the skill." Atohmma listened carefully, to get a better understanding of their ways. She understood the importance of having skills, learning and being taught. It wasn't like this in her village, but at least there was a sense of tradition, custom and order among the elves. As Lady Petal continued explaining and informing Atohmma about the way things were done, she was interrupted. "Is there a reason why they call you Lady Petal?" Atohmma asked. To which Frisky replied, "There is, actually, she is very gentle with her healing and midwifery. Sometimes, when she applies the medicine, her hands are known to be as light and as gentle as a petal and she also uses the petals of flowers to make teas for us elves." "Interesting! So...will I be allowed to try some of your teas my lady?" Atohmma asked her. "Of course you can. I prepare all the teas here, by drying the petals and placing them into bottles. There are many flavors, however, for you and particularly during your transition, there will be specific teas that I will allow you to use. Your diet will change depending on your stage of transformation, for this reason, I was asked to keep a close eye on you. I will monitor your changes and you will be fed accordingly. Have no fear, you will be able to prepare your own meals, but they will include only what I specify. This will assist you with your progress in the transformation. I see your ears are beginning and I heard your wings have already increased in size. Are there any other changes? Do you feel ill, tired, nauseous, weak .....?" she asked Atohmma. "I feel a bit hungrier than usual and at times I sweat in the palm of my hands," replied Atohmma. "I see, well, in that case, I will start you on blueberry and passionfruit tea. You will eat spinach with your bread and have nettle soup with lots of squash." "Would I be able to have my cookies and snacks?" asked Atohmma hopefully. "It's best you do not eat these cookies for some time. You can replace your snacks with nuts. We have a variety of nuts here, I will send over a special bottle of nuts for you. That will be your snack. Now that we have your diet out of the way, I will also advise that you get some rest when you feel exhausted or sleepy during the day or night. You can get acquainted and make friends with the elves around, but do not go into the forest for some time. Avoid it for now as much as you can. I do not see any need for you to go into the forest. Do we understand each other?" asked Lady Petal. "Yes ma'am, Yes my lady, understood," said Atohmma. "Now I must get going and you can both get acquainted. Bye for now child." Atohmma bowed and touched the ground before Lady Petals' feet and said goodbye. "See you soon," said Atohmma and Lady Petal left.

Atohmma turned to Frisky and they discussed their plans for the rest of the time until noon. Frisky sat with her and expounded on everything Lady Petal already told her. Atohmma welcomed his repetition, so she will have it all stored in her memory. They both finished the cookies and juice that was left on the table and because Atohmma couldn't have any more cookies for some time, she gave the remainder in the bottle, to Frisky.

At noon, they both left to visit the Chief sage. He was expecting them and he knew Lady Petal wouldn't have taken more time than she needed. On their way, Frisky shared some of the cookies with whoever he met along the way, so that Atohmma's cookie-making skills, will be known all over the elven village. Atohmma had a brilliant idea that she shared with Frisky. She told him that she would consider making cookies out of the nuts they grew there, and some flavored with the extraction from the petals, Lady Petal used for teas. Frisky thought it was a great idea and supported her with her plans to do it. She thought to herself that she will let Lady Petal know about her idea as well, the next time they meet.

At the Chief sages' tent, they both sat down to listen to what he had to say. Frisky was there as support for Atohmma because there wasn't really any need for him to be there. The Chief asked her about her meeting with Lady Petal and also asked if she was comfortable at her tent. Atohmma mentioned that she was comfortable and right at home; she became familiar with the surrounding garden and that she was happy being there. He told her why he needed her to see him today. He wanted to let her know about the story behind the crystal lake and the reason they took their traditions so seriously. Their customs were dear to them, and he felt it necessary that Atohmma or any other guest, knew why they were so very secretive and secluded with their ways, apart from those elves who ventured out to the other villages.