The Illura- Poppies Breath 2

Akiyana made her way to Elyshade’s home. She held her hands out to feel the foliage on her way to the Elyshade’s house. Remember how she always does this on the way to see the elder. She was lost in happy memories of her childhood times spent with Elshadye when she stopped in front of Elshadyes home. Akiyana stood in awe of the beautiful colorful flowers surrounding Elshadye’s home. A smile ran across Akiyanas face as she remembered learning about each species of flower and herb in this garden. She takes her time as she walks up to Elyshade’s open door.

Akiyana knocked on the floor of Elyshade’s door. “Nubu, are you home?”

Elyshade smiled and turned at the sound of Akiyana’s voice, “Akiyana! My sweet child! I was not expecting you today. Come, let me hold your face. Elyshade sighed and pinched Akiyana’s

Cheeks. “Aww, yes, so full of life. You make me smile with your kind nature. Come, come in!” Elyshade waved Akiyana in as she started shuffling around her house with excitement.

“I’ve been preparing my things for the journey to the Sol festival. You will remind me to clear out the garden before we leave. Oh, I must bring this soap to my dear Adria’s daughter. Her youngest has skin issues, and this always helps him. But what brings you to see me?” Elyshade said.

Akiyana took a deep breath. “Elyshade, the Council has decided you are needed in the village during the Sol festival. We need you to stay here and not go on this journey.”

Elyshade looked in the direction of Akiyana. “The council has decided WHAT?!” When did they make such a decision? No one talked to me about a decision!”

“Nubu, please don’t be cross.” Akiyana pleaded, “The council decided...” Akiyana didn’t get to finish her thought because Elyshade grabbed her hands and started to walk to the door. “No! They will not send you to tell me such a thing. WE will go to them now!” Elyshade said.

Moments later, the pair burst into Kayel’s council office. “You! You sent dear Akiyana to tell me that the “Council decided I CANNOT travel to the Sol Festival!” Elyshade snapped, flinging Akiyana loose from her grasp. “How dare you! I have head wraps that are older than all of you, and you are restricting my travel now! I demand an explanation!”

Kayel sighed and started calmly and resolutely, “Elyshade, the Council thinks it is best. We have to consider your lack of sight and your age. It is a safety measure.”

“A safety measure,” Elyshade tearfully answered. “When the Council asked me to close my businesses, you said it was for safety reasons. You said you needed me in the village to serve as the elder. And me gathering secrets was too dangerous that I was more valuable to the tribe here. Even though I was still running both of my operations at full capacity. And my lack of sight has NEVER been an issue. I’m one of the most cunning secret keepers in the realm. I’ve never been made by a mark.”

“The Council said I would always be revered as a valued adviser, that I’ve served the Illura tribe honorably and faithfully. And now you are corralling me like a young calf as if I have no life experience.” Elyshade continued.

Kayel softened his tone, “Elyshade... you are so important to the Council and tribe. Nubu, we were all worried when you were lost for two days at the last festival. We searched and searched, but we couldn’t find you, there are so many things happening at the festival all the time, and so many people. We ... I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

“I told you I was NOT lost; YOU just didn’t know where I was. I have been journeying to the Sol festival my whole life, and I knew where I was. It’s a highlight of the year for me. A time of celebration. But it’s also a time of reflection for me,” Elyshade said.

“I have moved throughout the realm for many years. I have traveled to new lands, sailed seas, and made beautiful memories along the way. But I am one the last of a generation. Many of my family and friends have become ancestors, and I serve the tribe as an elder alone.

When you couldn’t find me, I ate with my friends’ families to celebrate their loved ones. I was visiting their markers to tell them about the last year. I danced to the music of their people and brought them small gifts in their honor. I sat listening to the sounds of the festival, smelling the food, and thinking of our times and friendship together. I was not lost. I was spending time with my memories,” Elyshade replied.

All of the members of the Council looked at each other quietly. Kayel spoke, “Elyshade, we fear this year may be different, and you are our elder. We worry about you.

“Tell me, what about this Sol festival that is so dangerous?” Elyshade asked.

“Nubu,” Taharah finally spoke, “We have a threat here in town. And we don’t know how far this threat goes. These so-called Truth Seeker have ramped up their foolery. They attacked an Ejhe, Mina. They are becoming violent.”

“And before he fled, Mina heard him say he couldn’t wait for the flames to rise.” Stephen spoke up, “We don’t know what that means. We don’t know if that means here or there. And the missing children now.”

“There has been increased activity around the Troka. They are trying to get inside it. They went from flyers showing up here and there. To find them in every building. This is why we are leaving Ejhe home more than usual. We need to be prepared on all fronts.” Taharah speaks softly, “And we need you to be safe. You are our Nubu. The tribe’s heart. We can’t let anything happen to you. So please, Elyshade, stay home this time.”

Taharah looked pleadingly toward Elyshade. Hoping that she would understand and not resist. She didn’t want to make her stay, but losing her would put a hole in the tribe. It would be weeks of mourning. And with this rising threat, she didn’t want to lose Elyshade.

“I have outlived more than a few cults. I have taken down even more,” Elyshade begins. She held her hand up when everyone sighed, “But I see you all have thought this through. I will stay. This will be the first I missed in 100 years. I think it’s time for me to leave.”

“Do you want Aki to walk you back?”

Elshade looked at Taharah like she wanted to say something, but she walked out the door without a word. The room was silent. No one spoke a word. Taharah looked around the table at the look of her Council, and everyone just looked at her with the same thought, we messed up. Elsyhade is the oldest living Illurian and had a hand in raising everyone at the table. No one wanted to hurt her or make her feel like a hindrance. They just wanted her safe.

“Though what just happened, happened. We must focus on the task at hand. The cult has been making themselves known for the last six months.” Taharah looks at everyone at the table. ‘for the most part, they have been harmless. But as we get close to the convergence, we have seen a rise in cult activity. More than just flyers now. As we all know, they came for the ancient text two nights ago. As always, the Ehje were ready.”

“What is it that they want?” Stephen questions.

“They keep saying they want to share the knowledge of Atyija. That we shouldn’t hold the knowledge to ourselves.” Taharah rolls her eyes. “They don’t understand that the knowledge we hold was given to us for a reason. The ancestors of this world knew that we, as a people here on Aytija, are powerful, and our traditions, secrets, and history must be protected. And we are those chosen protectors.”

Everyone around the table nods in agreement. Each person smiled to themselves with a sense of pride. All illurians were taught by the elders of the tribe about what it meant to be Illurian. Everyone in the tribe grew up wanting to travel and gather knowledge and secrets of the people of Atyija.

“These Illurians are starting to cause problems,” Kayel spoke up, breaking the silence in the room.

“So what do we want to do about it?” Akiyana spoke up, “There are acting as if they werent taught, we were all taught. They must be dealt with.”

“They are looking for something specific. I know they are. With all the things that are within the Troka, it could be anything. We must protect our way of life, even our own. These people must not succeed. I don’t know what they want, but they will not get it.” Taharah spoke with more bass in her voice. She looked around and met everyone’s eyes.

Everyone stared back with the same intensity in their eyes. This was something new. Noone at the table could remember a time when cults attacked. Having cults wasn’t the issue. Occasionally, a new cult of something pops up but soon fizzles out. None of them were ever violent. The Truth Seekers is an issue none of them would have to contend with.

“We don’t want to take any chances, and with Kayel and me leaving Nahari in charge. We want to show that we don’t play about our traditions even during enjoyment and celebration. That is all I have for this morning. I don’t want to keep yall long. Aki, can you check on Nubu, please. Thanks. Enjoy your day. We leave in a few days.”

Akiyana left and entered the main hallway of the High Council building with thoughts of the morning with Elshadye still on her mind. The beloved elder didn’t want to be walked home after hearing from Kayel’s mouth that she couldn’t attend the Sol Festival this year. Akiyana knew she needed to check on her, but Elshadye disappeared before the Council meeting ended.

She loved their town’s historic High Council building and complex community center as Akiyana did. It was located at the heart of Zuria, and Akyiana knew this would be the place to still find her somewhere. It was not only a place for important business meetings but also welcome to all for celebrations, transition to ancestry, and sanctuary.

Akiyana continued walking through the long corridor of the main building. She passed decorative archways leading to various rooms. She tipped her head in admiration of the great elders in paintings that hung against wood-grained walls. As if for the first time. The area was filled with art pieces on display that told remarkable stories. They were timeless reflections of the love and traditions amongst her people. This place never got old to her, no matter how often she was there.

“I can’t believe Kayel actually got me to do that.” She said out loud. “I bet she is taking it harder than she let on.” Akiyana turned the corner of the broad and decorative space that resembled a cultural museum. She knew she just had to talk further with Elshadye. Perhaps it was to smooth things over, she thought. She was like her own nubu, after all.

Akiyana assumed it must be around lunchtime since her areas were pretty empty and quiet. She continued her search, entering the cafeteria section of the connected buildings. “Nope. Not here. How could I tell someone alive longer than my parent’s what they would not do? I can barely advise my parents on what to do and not to do, and I am the high Priestess!”

To one side of the cafeteria was a door to a separate dining area. To the other side of the large room was a door to a Sunroom especially for tea and lounging. The sunroom became a transitional space into the courtyard and botanical garden areas.

Before proceeding in any direction, Akiyana paused and said, “Okay. Where is Elshie hiding?” She said this as if to herself but was directed to Tagie, who was not visible to the naked eye but was nearby as usual. Akiyana grasped the shiny yellow crystal pendant around her neck and closed her eyes. She could feel him.

Suddenly her eyes began to glow a bright yellow. “Aaaah, the Garden of Ancestors is where you both are! Akiyana says, "Of course you are!”

Akiyana took a deep breath before walking to the door to the outside courtyard with sullen anticipation. Her job was not always easy as a member of the noble Busenye Family of occult secret keepers. They were healers, herbalists, and spiritual advisors but also keepers of Illurian traditions. She reminded herself how she must always do what needed to be done and be prepared, no matter how she personally felt about it.

As she opened the door to the open roofed space, she knew what needed to be done, but also, something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on was looming. She always listened to the ancestors’ whispers. Waving of branches or the tickling leaves on her shoulder, particularly in botanical gardens. It was rich with nanji to tune into. The fragrances of the vast array of flora could easily overstimulate one’s senses if not prepared. She was never as equipped for all the sensory chatter as the eldest Ilurian Elshadye was, she thought.

Suddenly Akiyana’s thoughts are interrupted by the sight of her sister Braynka walking quickly towards her. “Sister! Where have you been? You’re late! I’ve been waiting for you. “She said this in a huff and out of breath. Like she was searching for Akiyana like her lost child.

“Well, see here,” --- Akiyana began to retort to her sister about who was whose keeper. But decided against it mid-sentence when she realized the concern and frustration on her sister’s face. She began again.” Well...never mind that for now. Why are you so obviously wound up? I’m sorry I lost track of time.’

“Well, I hope it was for a good reason,” Braynka snaps, “because I have been here doing the work of two acolytes! I wanted to tell you that some roses to the east of the Garden of Ancestors near the greenhouse are not as healthy as the rest!”

“Oh really? I now have multiple responsibilities within this community, so I cannot be in all places simultaneously. I remember you mentioned this to me before, and they have not gotten any better? My duty is to serve as a High Council member first now. Have you not told our dear brother I appointed as your partner in crime and horticulture about this? Where is Numesker? “

“Oh, he is preoccupied with preparing the supplies for the festival. Or so he says, but also there is a new love interest who must like poppies because he came in with a box of them and wouldn’t let me touch them”, Braynka says as she rolls her eyes. “There are fresh cuttings he should be tending to and tinctures to make for export before you leave. However, he is probably by the side of our new vendor, whom he most obviously finds attractive, so I haven’t seen him much lately.”

“Oh. Well, that just figures. There is always some new vendor or adventure with him.” Akiyana rolls her eyes too. “Well, go on about the roses then. I was on my way there anyway to find Elashadye. What do you mean they are not looking as healthy as the rest? Let’s walk and talk.”

As they began to walk along the pebble-mosaic path that led to the exit, Akiyana took note of her surroundings. As she followed, her sister and her pendant heated up. She refocused her nanji, noticing every clay pot, a trellis of vines, and a bench. She brought her attention to a red lizard standing out within the train of greenery and patches of red flowers in between. It seemed to follow her stare.

“Did you hear me?” Says Braynka, which snaps Akiyana back to focusing on the conversation. “I thought it had something to do with the chlorophyll, but it wasn’t that. Then I told Maybel to visit more since she was the usual one to care for that section. I told her to observe while doing what she loves in the area. Maybe have a picnic. I thought this would do the plants and her dan some good. But that didn’t help either.”

“Really? Akiyana says, still distracted by thoughts of what to say to Elshadye, possible antics of her youngest sibling brother, and now that red lizard. “Well, before we jump to any conclusions. Let’s remember Dadu used to say it’s not unusual for the plants to undergo changes as the weather nears closer to Eclipse season. It has been warmer this year. We know this. Just continue to keep an eye on that for now.”

“Really, I think you should look at them, and you will better understand my concern.” She walked more quickly to the archway as if to lead the way out the exit of the courtyard area. Akiyana’s heart quickened in response, but she took deep breaths as they walked down the pebbled path to the woodsy area trail leading to their sacred Garden of Ancestors. She couldn’t let her sister get her worked up so quickly. She was known for being slightly dramatic and Akiyana had no intention of being deterred from her current mission.

“I hear you, but I really need to check up on Elshadye right now. I will meet back up with you later about this then. “I think Elshadye is taking it harder than she let on that she cannot attend the festival this year, and I think I really need to talk to her about that.”

“Awww. Really? But how do you know she is taking it hard? She is quite resilient. Don’t you think she is more likely plotting against you?” Braynka jokes with a chuckle.

“I know, right?! She dragged me from her house to confront Kayel about his decision. Then after he told her about his concerns for her safety and the growing activity of those radicals, she was ready to leave and declined the escort home.’

. “Aaaw, not so good for you or Kayel then! I wouldn’t want to get on Elshie’s bad side. Good luck with that”.

“Thanks, and please, little sister,” Akiyana sighed. “Please keep an eye on Elshadye while we are away at the Sol festival since you decided not to join us. I still can’t believe you volunteered to stay home to help with the apothecary this year.”

“Sure, of course, that was a given. I know you do not think I won’t have time for fun just because I’m staying to help in the shop. Remember, there will still be festivities to enjoy within our little town. And that’s good enough for me”. So, before you ask, I am almost finished with your dress alterations. I still have my own dress to make, too, ya know?”

“Okay, so you do, huh? Well, remember to balance then, my sister! You work so hard and are the only one still concerned more about the everyday tasks than the upcoming days of leisure and celebration. Akiyana teasingly tells her little sister, “And remember who is the older sister. And I know best!”

Braynka laughed and rolled her eyes, “You are one to talk of balance, my sister. Take your own advice, and you remember age does not equal wisdom.” She teased back.

“Yeah, yeah. So is there anything else I should know about these roses?

“They are undergoing some changes I don’t understand and will need to get a sample. I tried pruning away the brown bits 5 days ago and giving them time to recover with some added nutrients. Still, again today, I noticed they look worse and not better.” At this, Akiyana frowned.

They reached the entrance of the sacred Garden of Ancestors after a moderate paced walk through the forest. Tagie appeared and perched on Akiyana’s shoulder to greet them. Their iridescent feathers were a mix of green, grey, and black with highlights of gold that caught the light and shimmered around the crown and throat. He squawked a couple times before flying away toward the top of the trees again. His preferred place to dwell is with the other ethereal creatures.

“Well, indeed, this sounds more than I expected to hear from you. But still, let’s not jump to conclusions though. Let's find Numesker first, and we will all look at those roses together. A sample test is a good idea.” With that, Braynka looked slightly frustrated. She wasn’t getting her way. Instead, she nodded with a sigh. They parted ways to head towards their places in the large Garden of Ancestors. She walked east and Akiyana west to where she now knew Elshadye was.

As Akiyana walked, she thought of her dabu and what he used to say about expectations. “No matter what reality you expected to see when you began. You must accept the reality the Gods are showing you in the end”.

Akiyana found Elshadye sitting on the bench in front of her gigantic family Ancestral flowers. A watering can, a cloth napkin, and the remains of her lunch lay next to her.

“Elshadye, there you are. So you decided to enjoy your lunch out here with your people today, did you? I assumed you would at least be in the sunroom since it is so hot outside”.

“Yes, I suppose I should be, but I needed to be amongst my family. I am growing tired of being told what to do as if I did not change all of your diapers at one point, so I decided to come here. The family flowers do not tell me what to do. They just listen and make me smile.”

“Well, Elshie, I hope you didn’t take the Council’s decision too harshly. I mean, it was out of love and concern that the decision was made. We could not afford to have you lost again.”

“For the 100th time, I was not lost! You all just didn’t know of my whereabouts! And you are right. I should get inside because I also grow tired of this reeking smell! She gets up from the bench slowly and stretches while holding her nose.

“What reeking smell? I smell the variety of plants, as usual, no different.”

“..Of death, child! The earth smells of death and is now in the air. A pungent odor like rotting fruit. So you know what? I don’t want to travel to that Sol Festival anyway!”

“Oh Elshie, like rotting fruit? You smell this now? Since when? And Where? You did not mention this earlier at the meeting”. Akiyana looked around for maybe an animal or a pile of fertilizer. But she only saw the same trees, bushes and flowers. She noticed a few newly sprouted poppies.

“Yes, I know, but I thought nothing of it at first! Well, you’re treating me like I am getting feeble in body and mind with my age! I smelled it briefly when the wind picked up on our way home this morning. Then this afternoon, on my way to my favorite place here, I smelled it clear as day again and stronger! You’re telling me you haven’t smelled it around lately here and there when it catches the wind?”

“Well, no. I haven’t noticed that. Akiyana says, slightly embarrassed that she hadn’t. She suddenly thought about her sister and the roses she wanted to show her. Immediately she says, “I need to go speak with Assuar right now! Please tell Braynka I’m sorry and that I will be back”.

Elshadye nods in approval of this idea and says nothing other than, “Alright, child.”

“Braynka is next to the greenhouse in the east wing of the garden. She mentioned something unusual to me, and maybe you can look at it with her.” Elshadye nods again and begins to walk off.

Akiyana sent out a call to Tagie. He appeared towering over her this time. They lowered their large body to the ground, and last, their crown shimmering with green and golden feathers in the sunlight. She climbed on their back, and they took off and up high without an outer word. They quickly soared past the high council building and downtown community areas. She thought about how she was high above the trees on her bird, free of all the responsibilities and disappointments for some moments. She took some deep breaths to savor it. The clouds were also her favorite place to think.

“Too many peculiar occurrences” kept replaying in her mind.” Little problems can add up to equal a big problem.” She knew this. “I Know, Tagie, I know now.”

They flew past the residential areas and into the outskirts of town. Akiyana’s eyes and nose remained vigilant. Her arms barely wrapped around Tagie’s thick neck plumage like a toddler on their father’s shoulders. She maintained control. As they got closer to the ranger station, she pressed her head down into the neck of the massive bird. She tightened her body’s grip around them as they glided downwards towards the ground to land.