Our beginning

Zeava

When I woke up I was so excited to get back in the woods and find the cave again to visit with Zeava. I had so many questions and wanted to examine her children a bit closer. I wasn't sure if I should tell anyone else just yet and I wanted to wait for Marky to wake up and ask if he wanted to come along. I went to the kitchen and found some of my dehydrated fish to bring with and grabbed some cured fish also. I could remember if I had anything smoked on hand here but when I looked I found some in the deep freezer.

As I waited I got everyone fed and asked them to stay inside until I got back from my morning hunt. "Could you keep an eye the rabbit stew I have on the stove? It's all put together just needs to be stirred every ten minutes or so. I shouldn't be gone to long if everything goes as planned."

"Of course I can." Ava replied as I noticed Mark coming down the stairs.

"Can I talk to you alone, my love?" he nodded and followed me back up the stairs and into our bathroom inside our room so that I knew no one could hear us. "Are you coming with me? I have to go see her again!"

"I'll stay here, to make sure no one comes looking for you. I wouldn't want to have any of them freak out and ruin your surprise for Mother's day and Alex's birthday. I'll sit on the porch and work on stretching those skins for you to make your blanket." he kissed me and I blushed then kissed him back.

"Thank you! I'm so excited to get to know her and then get back and have another family adventure before leaving!" I kissed him and smiled, "I'll be back as soon as I can but I may get a bit attached, those babies are so fascinating and adorable!! I love you!" then I rushed down the stairs, "I'll be back, be ready for an adventure before we leave for home!"

I practically jumped all the stairs from the porch to the path into the trees and then jogged to the creek and it probably only took me about 10 minutes to get all the way to the cave. When I got to the entrance I gave a little whistle and slowed my pace so that I didn't startle her.

"Zeava? It's me, Chevy..." I couldn't hear anything and was hoping that she was still here, there's no way it was a dream because Marky remembered her also. "Are you here? I have some food that I made for you, I really hope that you enjoy it." as I rounded the corner I could see how energetic and excited her baby's were, I loved all the beautiful colors and how they moved so mystically in their little bubbles. "I was hoping to see your Mama again but I guess I'll leave the fish treats here with you guys and maybe I'll get to see her before we leave for home. I really hope you all stay and make yourselves at home so I can introduce you to my family when we come back for Mother's day and my son Alex's birthday. Tell your Mama that I'm sorry I missed her and I'll be back later on." They all made a sing song sound and then mocked the whistle I had made when I entered the cave. I could hear a shuffling type of sound so I called for her one last time, "Zeava?"

"Yes, dear child, it's me. My children let me know that you were here and it smells like you brought me something delicious. What is that glorious scent I'm inhaling?" I was so excited that she was here and I didn't have to come back to see her later, that would have been hard to explain to the kids.

"It's fish that I've prepared in a few different ways, I love to make food and you had said that you enjoyed the creek and you liked to eat fish so I made you some to sample that way I know what you like best and I can make you more on our next trip out here." I started opening packages, the first one I had her try was pretty much sushi and she absolutely loved it so I opened the next one and tossed it to her.

"The sushi was amazing, better than any I've ever tasted. I'm not sure what to call this one but it's pretty good also, what it is?" she looked very interested.

"It's smoked salmon, I use apple wood to smoke everything typically. This batch is apple wood but I also brought some that has been smoked with cherry wood, wanna try that one next?"

"Yes, please! It's amazing that we met the way we did, I had a feeling that you were a good person but I can't ever be cautious with the way the world has been going. Plus, my younglings could be all that's left. My mate was killed a few months ago and that's why I came here to lay my eggs. The animals are so free and unafraid here, I knew I would be safe to leave my children here until I can set them free from their incasements and teach them how to live here in peace."

"I'm glad you came here and I'll protect you, can guarantee you that. Would you like some more? What did you think of the cherry wood?"

"It's all so delicious! Yes, what is the next one?"

"This one's baked and I spread spices on it with a marinating of honey and apple cider vinegar. Would you like me to teach you how to make these when I come back? I'd be delighted to teach you anything you want, plus I could get help building you a smoker and a wood burning stove at the entrance to the cave." she nodded her head happily as she munched on the next peice of fish. I was sure that I had made myself a friend now!

"I would love to learn how to make anything you'd be willing to teach, my lady." she took a dramatic bow which made me wonder how old she was and where she had been before this but I'd save that for next time. "Are the mustangs yours, they're very beautiful? I love to sit and watch them run around."

"I pray that they stay each time we leave but don't belong to me. Do you know where they are, I've been hoping to see them before we head home?"

"I can bring you to them. They move around a great deal but I can sense them."

"You would have to hide yourself so only I can see you, I want to keep you a surprise from everyone until we come back that way no one feels left out on meeting you first." I smiled and winked at her, I'm pretty sure she smiled back.

"Of course, the best part about that plan is that my children will be able to be released by them. I can wait until you return to release them and if you're alright with it I'll allow my children to choose one of yours to bond with."

"That would be the most amazing thing I could ever ask for! Can you meet me at my cabin in about an hour? I should have everyone ready for our farewell adventure by then."

"I will see you there." she bowed her head.

I was so excited that I ran all the way there and told Mark everything before having everyone get ready. She had perfect timing too, I saw her the moment I came into the trees to look and nodded.