Jandrea's Decision

[Jandrea]

I sat by the mountain pool, and dangled my toe in the water. My brow wrinkled as I tried to remember. The seer, he told me that my memories would return, and they were, but did I want the memories back?

I had no tales of heroism, or of horror. I remembered... mopping. I can see my hands darning socks. I smell the herbs set to dry in the rafters of a hut. I remember washing the old woman.

Who was the old woman? It was the old shaman, who took me as her apprentice. She came and watched our family for days. I was a sturdy girl of eight, who worked hard at the tasks her parents gave her. The shaman picked me from among my brothers and sisters of Clan Dalzeil. At first, I was excited. Then my mother started with the lessons: how to clean up after an elder, how to prepare simple meals for them, and how to do the heavy work of a household. In the fall I moved in with the old woman.

I knew I was not a real apprentice. The old shaman needed care, and the task was given to me.  I wore the mark of the bear, but I learned little of healing, and less of the spirits. I don't think I quite had the talent. I tried very hard. When the old shaman passed on, I stayed in her wilderness hut, and gave out the simple cures and small healings that were asked of me. The shepherds and hunters in the surrounding wilderness didn't think to ask me for much.

On a gathering expedition I camped over night. I was awoken by coarse cloth thrown over my face and the sickening smell of a drug. I was enslaved. I was locked away from the other slaves, as my blood was thought to be precious. They drugged me again, and the rest is a blur. Then, my mind awoke in the Atlantean ruins. I am many years older, and apparently immortal due to the evil mark tattooed on my breast.

What now? Should I try to find my old hut, and gather herbs? I think not! I enjoyed this life of adventure that fate had tossed to me. I truly enjoyed crushing the skulls of my enemies with my large club.

I stood up, firm with resolve. I gathered my things, and headed back to the lowlands. I will figure out these spells and skills and become a REAL bear shaman. I will try very hard.

-Jandrea Dalzeil