Chapter 6
821 Words
The sound of the trumpets told Ana the festival would be starting soon. She needed to get back to her room before anyone knew she had been gone. Using the same tree she used to get out. She got back in with the window just slightly open so as to not cause any alarm. Ana knew how important this festival was.
Ana heard a gentle knock as her door. She knew it must be Petra her mother. Petra looked nothing like Ana. She had straight brown hair, and dark eyes. While Ana had long golden curls with bright blue eyes. Ana always wondered what her father had looked like. But knew that she could never ask.
Petra gasped as she saw Ana sitting near the window with it propped open.
“Ana what are you doing?! Get away from there before you get hurt.” Petra stated.
“Mom, I’m fine. I was just getting some fresh air before getting ready for the festival.”
“Ana I know you think my rules are annoying. But it’s only for your safety. I know you wish you could help with the festival. But I’ve seen the way you are when we are near the border. I can tell it’s taking everything in you to fight the urge to keep going. So this is my way of protecting you.”
Ana rolled her eyes and thought ‘by what….locking me in my room. With geeky Gordon keeping watch? So I what don’t escape? If she only knew…’
Petra walked over placing a hand under Ana’s chin. Pulling Ana’s eyes up so she was looking into hers. She loved Ana so much. She never wanted anything bad to happen to her.
“I love you Ana. You know that right?” Petra’s voice quieter then usual.
“Yes mom I know. I love you too.” Ana said.
“Now, lets get you ready for the festival.” Petra said.
Petra brushed through Ana’s long curls. Thinking how much she always loved doing this to her baby sister Melody. She didn’t think or talk about Melody much. But everytime she looked at Ana she couldn’t help but think of Melody.
“Mama?” Ana asked.
“Yes sweetheart?” Petra responded.
“What is my role tonight in the festival?” Ana asked.
“You will be starting the ceremony. You are the only who rings the gong, and goes among the trees to spread the seeds. So that all the plants can grow.” Petra said, beaming.
Ana knew how important this was to her mom she didn’t want to mess it up. But she didn’t see all the fuss. She wanted to go explore. She could care less about fertilizing trees and plants.
Petra placed a butterfly clip in Ana’s hair. Pulling her curls back from her eyes. As a few strands fell loosely down her face. Ana looked in the mirror and smiled. She did look beautiful.
“All set?” Petra said.
Ana slipped into the green shimmery dress her mom had laid out on her bed earlier. Knowing that even though it wasn’t the easiest thing to move among the trees in. It was about making a statement as the one who starts the ceremony.
“Yes, can you zip me?” Ana asked.
“Of course.” Petra smiled.
Ana looked at herself in the full length mirror admiring herself. The chimes rang letting her know it was time. Ana and Petra hurried down the stairs. The ran to the garden area where everyone was waiting their arrival.
Ana walked up to the gong in the center square. Knowing it was her time to hit it. It was a right of passage. Only four nymphs were born each year, one for each of the changing seasons. When that nymph became of age it was her turn to strike the gong starting the process of the changing season.
Ana grabbed the stick, swung it back. . . .
GONG . . . . GONG . . . . GONG . . .
The sound reverberated through the square. Letting everyone know that Ana was officially of age and the season changed. Ana felt the presence of the roots under her feet. As she became one with the tree. Ana reached from tree to tree letting the seeds of new life fall.
As Ana came to the border she felt eyes watching her. Seeing what she would do. She stopped just as they had practiced, released herself from the tree. Stepped forward with open arms and said it is done.
The leaves started changing colors letting everyone know that Ana had done it. Autumn had begun.
- Writer
