Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts.
Ana and I are all watching Gaia make her way following the string she left for herself, meeting the guests as she goes, soon to reach the surprise our family has tied into her guide line. Hannah had been guarding the secret, and now Gaia wants to introduce Hannah to this man who seems to be alone at this party. She tells Hannah he was the medical practitioner for the Avar guards on the journey.
So how will Hannah, woman of medicine, healer, background organizer of everyone else’s festival, deal with Gaia’s suggestion that she, herself, meet a man? This is not a medical emergency or a needy plea. Gaia just noticed an opportunity here discovering the balm for an emptiness in Hannah that can possibly find the healing potion for two lonelinesses.
“Vizsla,” Gaia calls out, “I want you to come and meet my sister-in-law, Hannah.”
Vizsla follows orders immediately like the good soldier he is. He stands straight, adjusts his cape, glances at his shoes, stretches out his hand, and takes a step toward Hannah, but not two steps to appear improperly forward. His precision makes him awkward, gawky, like a half-plucked gander.
“Hannah?” he says.
Gaia adds, “Hannah is a medical practitioner, well-known among the people of this area for her skills and compassion.”
Now Vizsla seems to know what to say. Hannah, clearly does not. Gaia steps aside, to return to her string.
So, fearing the surprise will be discovered too soon, Ana takes my arm and hurries me along with her to stop Gaia from that next reach toward the little thatched house.
“Brandell needs to be with Gaia when she makes this find.” Ana tells me, as she reaches Gaia. “Gaia, Brandell will want his old friends to meet you.” So, Ana and I whisk Gaia off to the far side of the circle of string so that she may meet all the musicians.
The dancing music starts again and Gaia takes Brandell with her on her walk around the string, greeting people all along the way.
All of the attention turns to the bride and groom now, as her hand leads along the string to…
The music stops and now a hush moves throughout the crowd as Gaia’s hand touches one bundle of tightly tucked straw. What is this? She knows by the cheerful sounds of the people it must be something sighted people expected her hand to discover.
(Continues Tuesday, June 25, 2024)
Lazarus Ink 