Nature's Tribe

by Jacky Gray

  As she raised her hand to knock again, the door opened, and Dagda’s strained expression turned to relief.

  “Senna. Thank goodness. I hope you’ve not been waiting long. My cousins make so much noise it is nigh-on impossible to hear yourself think.” She took Senna’s hand and pulled her into the room crowded with far too many bodies for such a small space.

  Without a word to any of the adults, she forged a path through to the staircase, practically dragging Senna up to the second floor where it was possible to hear speech above the commotion.

  “Sorry about that. My aunt and uncle are staying with us and everything is a crush. Paulina is in here.”

  As Dagda pushed open the door, Senna was overwhelmed by the stench of too many people living in one room. The dark, damp conditions were not good, even for a healthy person, and she knew any illness would fester.

  Paulina huddled on a tiny cot in the darkest corner of the room and, as Dagda lit a candle, Senna took in the full extent of the overcrowding in the house. In addition to the parent’s large bed, Dagda and Paulina also had cots, and their clothes and possessions overflowed from three chests onto the floor. It was obvious that the family inhabited one chamber to allow use of the second one by the other family sharing a home barely large enough for one.

  Having been brought up in her parent’s relatively spacious house, Senna could not imagine what this level of overcrowding would do to a person’s well-being. Ignoring her instinct to discover more about the family’s situation, Senna restricted herself to an examination of the patient.

  Dagda kept up a commentary of how her sister had always been a keen, eager-to-please daughter and sister with a ready smile. “Now she has become a withdrawn, sulky girl, given to silence, tears and unexplained anger.”

  The solution suggested itself instantly, and Senna presented Dagda with a grave face. “I’m afraid she has a very rare affliction which cannot be treated here. She needs calm solitude and absolute rest for at least a week. Please inform your parents that unless they allow her to spend a week away from these conditions, she will deteriorate even further. She needs to come with me immediately or I cannot be held responsible for the consequences.”

  Dagda’s eyes narrowed as she glanced around the room, then back to the healer. “I’m afraid my parents cannot afford to send her to a healing house.”

  Senna held her ground. “There will be no charge. But she must come now.”

  With an anguished glance at her younger sister, Dagda acquiesced, her tone low. “Thank you, dear healer. I am forever in your debt.”

  Together, they lifted the younger girl from her cot, leading her downstairs and swathing her in a light cloak. Dagda’s mother glanced up with a frown and Dagda reassured her as their father followed them out.

  He lifted Paulina into a small handcart which he pushed to Senna’s house, then carried his daughter inside, gently laying her on the cot. With a curt bow, he exited.

  It seemed obvious the poor scrap needed nothing more than respite from the dreadful din at home. It did not take much to imagine what had happened when she revealed she’d lost her employment. Then to spend several days at home amid uproar instead of in the relative peace of the workroom; ’twas enough to weaken even the strongest spirit. She felt sure Lyran would welcome the presence of the youngster, and suspected it was all part of a master plan.

  Sure enough, after sleeping peacefully for many hours, Paulina awoke refreshed and grateful to Senna for the opportunity to escape her desperate circumstances. She was not the sort of girl who enjoyed idleness, and proved to be an excellent housekeeper, eager to take on any task, no matter how dull or physically taxing.

  A few days later, the girl returned to her normal sunny disposition, and was keen to help. Together, they cleared out one of Senna’s chests, a task she had been putting off due to the amount of bending and lifting. They stored the multitude of tiny items of clothing she’d been given by anyone in the village who had ever birthed a babe.

  Paulina admired two of the kirtles put aside for alms, and was thrilled when Senna insisted she have them. They spent a pleasant evening adjusting the garments to fit Paulina, adding ribbons and lace from a box Rielle had provided in the vain hope her daughter would decorate her plain, functional clothes.

  Senna was glad of the girl’s help on the following day as she accompanied her to Cora’s for the traditional dressing of the bride. For some reason, the babe decided to find the most uncomfortable position, and Senna could not stand without serious pain in her back. Paulina noticed and understood Senna’s reluctance to alert Cora. With total discretion, she managed to be in the right place at the right time, helping so Cora never noticed anything amiss.

  On Beltane, the first order of business would normally be to drive each farmer’s cattle between two bonfires lit at the northern portal stones. This year, the farmers all agreed not to risk contaminating the henge, so each one had set up two bonfires on their own properties. Senna was proud they’d all listened to her husband and sent along a pack containing the combination of purifying herbs he suggested.

  According to tradition, the Queen of the May was chosen as the sun reached its zenith; any handfastings were performed afterward. With a hug, Paulina ran to join the other eligible girls – they had to be aged from twelve to sixteen, so this was her third year of trying.

  The judges for this contest were all the similarly aged boys in the village, although it was not unknown for older boys to sneak into the suncircle. Each boy had to run down the line, dropping a token into the beaker of the two girls he thought would make the best Queen.

  The votes were counted, and it was a tie, with Paulina and Kerise both scoring seven, so the other girls were eliminated. The boys ran again with just one token each, and Paulina won by two votes.

  8 – Unexpected Arrival

  No one was more shocked than Paulina, who bobbed a curtsy in Senna’s direction, before being surrounded by the lads all seeking “a kiss for luck.” During the crowning ceremony, Dagda made her way to where Senna stood.

  “Thank you. Now we have even more to be grateful for.” The May Queen’s family received a large hamper of food and drink, which Senna knew would be well received.

  “Not at all. She deserves it. You all deserve some good luck.” She paused. “If you don’t mind the impertinence, how long have you had such a houseful?”

  Dagda’s lips tightened. “My uncle lost his position at the quarry last Yule, and his house two weeks later. They’ve been with us ever since.”

  “It must be very difficult. For all of you.” A vast understatement, and Senna could tell Dagda would have borne the brunt of her parent’s frustrations, still being at home instead of married and living elsewhere. “At least you are bringing in a wage.”

  “Not for much longer. The cobbler can only keep me on for another week because too many of his customers are buying their boots from the wagon which comes up from Devizes once a moon. It’s almost putting him out of business.”

  “Oh dear.” Senna could not believe the family’s string of bad luck, but her heart warmed at the happiness shining out of Paulina’s face as she ran up for a hug. As the girl pulled away, Senna felt another twinge.

  “What’s wrong?” Both sisters seemed acutely aware of her state as they chorused the question.

  “Nothing. Just a tiny twinge. It’s simply my daughter moving – as she gets bigger, it has more of an impact.”

  “You need to sit.” Dagda seemed very sure as she scanned the area.

  “I’ll be fine. Come on, we need to go and support Cora. It’s time.” She took an arm of each sister as she steered them to where her friend hung onto her father’s arm, waiting for the announcement. Beltane was the most popular in the entire wheel, and another couple were getting handfasted that day.

  As they lined up behind the other couple, Senna spotted Lyran waiting with Alfun, both looking splendid in smart new tunics.

  Being older, the other bride walke
d first, apparently unaware of the significance as she and her father followed the energy lines. When it came to Cora’s turn, she no sooner stepped onto the Mary line than she began to glow.

  At the instant Senna took a step behind her friend, she felt strong movement inside as her daughter wriggled around as though conscious of the powerful earth energy. Struggling to maintain a calm composure, Senna directed calming thoughts at the babe, instructing her that this vibration would soon be over. Although when she considered it, she realised the entire process might take a lot longer with everything being said twice, and two sets of vows.

  She sent up a prayer that the Archdruid would be brief, and there wouldn’t be too many people giving long speeches as there were at hers and Lyran’s ceremony last year. She gave thanks that his father, Ranly, had achieved his desired result – a seat on the council – which meant they had not seen much of him in the past year. As though aware of her musing, the man caught her eye with the briefest of nods.

  Again, the babe moved, with something she imagined was a foot or elbow causing a sharp pain under her ribs. Her hand shot out instinctively to make contact with the little body, hoping to persuade her to move on. The sudden movement caught Lyran’s eye and he frowned, mouthing something which she could not hope to hear, but his intention was clear.

  Pouring reassurance into her smile, she gestured all was well, indicating the babe had merely moved. He blew her a kiss and immediately the little one ceased her fidgeting. It could, of course, be a complete coincidence, but Senna had witnessed the strong bond between husband and daughter. Before she’d even entered the world. Patting her belly, she felt completely shrouded in warm, loving energy, and any qualms about an early birthing were quashed.

  Her prayers were answered as no one stood to make speeches for either couple, and the Archdruid kept things moving, addressing all his remarks to both couples simultaneously. The other bride seemed as shy and ill-disposed toward attention as Cora, as she whispered her responses. The second “I will” was so quiet the celebrant asked her to speak up and repeat her answer. Blushing fiercely, she did as bidden, and Senna noticed Cora answered more loudly when her turn came.

  Each couple had opted for the simplest three-knot binding, no doubt because of their reluctance to be the centre of attention. Despite this, Cora continued to glow, and Senna felt much of this was due to her having the courage to face Alfun about his concerns.

  Senna smiled as she recalled the way her friend’s eyes sparkled when they’d had a moment alone that morning.

  “Oh Senna, I’m so pleased you suggested I talk to Alfun. It turns out his unhappiness had very little to do with me after all; he said the thought of marrying me was the only thing he had to look forward to.”

  “Bless you, Cora. I never thought anything else.”

  “Then I mentioned my misgivings about being good enough to be a farmer’s wife. His words tumbled over themselves as he declared how he feared he would not be good enough for me.”

  Senna tried not to smile too broadly as her friend stumbled over the idea he thought her much too beautiful for a great ox like him.

  “And he worried about keeping up his new shape because he loved his food so much. I told him as long as he’s happy and healthy I do not care. Honestly, it is such a relief, as I feel exactly the same.”

  “And all that running up hills he made you do?”

  “Actually, it is good training for what’s to come. I have spent so long sitting down sewing, I am unable to walk as easily as I should.”

  “You haven’t said the main reason for his unhappiness.”

  Cora glanced away, her shine dimming a little. “This was the hardest for him to admit. He doesn’t think he is cut out to be a farmer; he hates the husbandry, making sure all the farmhands and other labourers are doing what they are supposed to.”

  “Does that remind you of anyone?”

  “I know. We are so alike; he says we are two peas in a pod.” Cora giggled. “Anyway, his father and mother are in no hurry to let go of the farming life which suits them so well. He says he will seek other employment, and I can still work for Rielle.”

  “That is wonderful.” Senna hugged her. “So you can complete the commission and become rich and famous as seamstress to royalty, in great demand …”

  “Be off with you. But it would mean one part of my life will not change. I do feel somewhat nervous about moving out of my home, but his parents are giving us a small cottage on their land. It needs repairs, but we will not have to share their house for more than a few moons.”

  Senna’s pleasant memory ended as loud applause greeted the end of the other couple’s vows, and she paid attention while Alfun used a shortened version of Lyran’s first vow. She glanced at her husband, knowing he would be thinking of their ceremony. He met her gaze with one of regret for using the greatly extended wording his father demanded, on the grounds that paying for the feast entitled him to influence every aspect of the day.

  Apparently, thoughts of her father-by-marriage did not please the little one inside, who again moved, causing sharp pains. She could not stop a tiny gasp escaping, doing her best to disguise it as a cough. Once more, she had the overwhelming impression her daughter had designs on an early birthing as she twisted and turned as though trying to figure out the best position for making her escape attempt. And, as before, Lyran connected to the little one’s disquiet, sending over calm and peace.

  By the time the babe stilled, Senna had missed all her friends’ vows except the last one, which they said together: “I promise to love, honour and cherish you for the rest of our lives.”

  “And everyone here today wishes that will be a long and joyful time for you both.” The Archdruid held both their hands as he invited them to seal the vows by swapping rings.

  Lyran held two roses, and he passed the white to Senna, carefully keeping the red one upright. At the signal, they each offered their roses bearing a precious golden band to their friends.

  The Archdruid blessed each of the four rings before guiding each couple through the exchange, ending by kissing their hands as he bowed over them. Standing back, he flung his hands in the air as he pronounced them married and invited them to celebrate in the normal manner.

  As the congregation applauded the two couples, Lyran pulled Senna toward him and kissed her. Her momentary surprise did not stop her from enjoying the tender embrace and warmth of his body – something she’d been denied for far longer than she ever wanted to experience again.

  When he released his hold, she grinned cheekily. “Make no mistake, I’m not complaining, but what made you change your mind about physical contact?”

  “Our daughter.” He waited while she delivered the expected reaction.

  “What? How? I know you have a connection, but …”

  “Look around you.”

  She glanced at the people surrounding them, many of whom had the same idea of celebrating the unions by remembering their own. “I don’t …”

  “I’ll give you a clue. What’s the biggest source of protection in the village?”

  Senna frowned. “The henge, but …”

  “After all the precautions I’ve taken, I have every confidence no trace of infection remains on any part of me. If it did before I walked down the Mary line, it certainly doesn’t now. And I won’t allow anybody else near you when Lyrelie makes her entrance. Sometime today.”

  “Lyrelie? So you not only know she’s a girl, but you know her name? How is this possible?”

  “Because, my love, you have taught her well by continually speaking and singing to her in the womb. When we spoke of names last moon, you mentioned liking the idea of a name starting with ‘L-Y-R.’ So, apparently, does she.”

  “Wait a moment. You said sometime today. How long do I have?”

  “That, I’m afraid, she did not share. But I suspect she will want you to eat something so you have plenty of strength to help her on her way.”

  Cora and Alfun ap
proached, apologising for taking so long to get around to hugging the two most important people in their lives.

  “No, Cora. Today, that is you and Alfun.” She hugged her friend. “After your worries about every little thing, it all went smoothly. And you both looked gorgeous. You make a striking couple.”

  “Thank you, dear one. I know it wasn’t as fancy as yours …”

  “And all the better for it.” Jarl’s voice made Senna jump; she was not expecting him. He strode up to Cora, hugging her with gusto and popping a kiss on her forehead. “You look ravishing, my dear. It’s a good job Alfun has snapped you up or I would have been after you myself.”

  He released her and clapped Alfun on the back. “I hope you remembered some warm milk this time before you start drinking. We don’t want a repeat of last year.”

  “Thank you for reminding me.” His face showed the opposite of gratitude. “I have asked for that very thing when we reach the hall. Not that I should need it – ours is a much simpler fayre with a mere three courses, so there will be nothing like the vast quantities of different liquors which led to my undoing.”

  “Glad to hear it, dear boy. Are we to hang around here for much longer? I swear I shall swoon if I don’t fill my belly soon.” With a mock growl, he gathered bride and groom, hugging them to him. Explaining how he’d had to beg Farmon to relax the strict quarantine rules, he propelled them toward the mass of people making their way to the hall.

  The wedding feast was very different to the one enjoyed there on the previous June – still lauded as the biggest gathering the village had experienced for many years. Both couples had agreed it made perfect sense to combine their celebration and invite the entire village. A number of tables were not filled where the farmers had no choice but to stay away because of their contaminated herds and the fear of spreading the disease. Thankfully, Alfun’s remedy seemed to be working, and there had been no new outbreaks since he and Lyran had distributed his potion.