ORENDA

 

Maya Grey Wolf ‘s dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, with hints of crimson highlights that seemed to dance in the firelight. Her eyes were pools of warm, earthy brown, filled with ancient wisdom and kindness. Her skin was a rich, golden brown, owing to the deep rooted origins of  her Native American heritage.

She wore a flowing skirt made of vibrant, hand-woven fabric, adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to tell stories of their own. A delicate silver necklace bearing a small turquoise rested against a beaded necklace made of polished stones.

Maya's fingers moved deftly as she wove a small basket from strands of sweetgrass, the scent of vanilla and honey filling the air. She sat on her porch, surrounded by the vibrant colors of her garden, where wildflowers bloomed in every direction.

As she worked, her eyes drifted back to the video clip on her phone, replaying the segment on the book club "Nakhodka," which had just been featured on the local news channel's website. The owner, Athena's smile was infectious, and Maya found herself drawn to her warmth and enthusiasm. But it was the locket that truly captured her attention.

Maya felt an inexplicable jolt of recognition. She rewound the clip, focusing on the locket. Where had she seen something like that before?

Maya's mind wandered back to her grandmother's stories about the Orenda, the life force that flowed through all living and inanimate things. She had always felt a deep connection to her grandmother's teachings, and now, seeing the locket, she felt an inexplicable pull towards Athena.

She wondered if this locket might be one such artifact. A sense of curiosity and wonder washed over her, and she knew she had to meet the young woman.

With the basket finished, Maya set it aside and reached for her phone, her fingers hovering over the screen as she debated whether to send a message or simply show up at the book club.

With a final decision she arose, the soft jingle of tiny bells on her anklets accompanied her steps, creating a soothing melody. 

Maya made a mental note to look up the book club's details. She had to meet this young woman and learn more about the locket. 

****

I lounged in my attic, the late summer sunbeams filtering through the skylights and the stained glass on one of the windows fixed by Vargas which splayed rainbow streaks on the floor.

The scent of old books and wood polish filled the air as I clutched the locket. The silver chain seemed warm against my skin.

As I looked out the window, the sundown cast a golden glow over the neighborhood. The treetops swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. I felt a sense of peace wash over me, as if the locket was absorbing the calm atmosphere.

Just then, a knock at the door broke the silence. It wasn't a Wednesday today and no workshops or book club meetings were  scheduled for the day. Who could have come calling?

I smiled to myself, expecting it to be one of my neighbors with a friendly hello. But when I opened the door, I was surprised to see an unfamiliar woman standing there in an exotic attire, a warm smile on her face. A handwoven basket slung over her arm.

"Hey," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "I'm Maya GreyWolf who mailed you for a meeting a few days ago. I've brought some tea and a little something my grandmother used to make." She held out the basket, filled with an assortment of herbs and a set of jewellery made out of blue Agate. 

As I took the basket from her, our fingers touched, and I felt a jolt of connection.

"Come in," I said, stepping aside to let her into my home.

As we sat down at the kitchen table, Maya began to unwrap the tea leaves and pour the steaming hot water into two cups. The aroma of chamomile and lavender filled the air, and I felt my senses relax.

"You're a good woman, Athena. I sensed it when I saw the Enamel pendant on your necklace how the book club had spread its popularity even in philanthropic ways. You've been in rhythm with Orenda."

"What's Orenda?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Maya's face lit up. "My grandmother used to tell me stories about the Orenda," Maya said, her eyes sparkling with memories. "She'd say it's the life force that connects us all, like the threads of a spider's web.

It's the energy that flows through every living and inanimate thing. When we're in balance with nature, the Orenda flows freely. But when we're out of sync, it can get stuck."

As she spoke, I felt the locket's power coursing through me. It was as if Maya's words had unlocked a deep connection to the world around me. I looked out at the trees swaying in the breeze, and the stars beginning to twinkle in the sky. Everything seemed more vibrant, more alive.

Maya nodded, as if she saw the understanding in my eyes. "The Enamel locket that you wear is a reminder of the Orenda. It has brought you great luck I see. It has enhanced the good intentions that you nurture and hence the manifestations were swift.”

The locket's power was no longer just a curiosity. 

Maya smiled warmly as she handed me a small, intricately woven basket. "My grandmother used to make these," she said, her eyes sparkling with memories.

As I took the basket, I felt a strange tingling sensation in my fingers. It was as if the locket around my neck was responding to Maya's words. I looked down, and the silver chain seemed to glow softly in the fading light.

The room seemed to fade away, and all that was left was the warmth of the tea, the scent of the herbs, and Maya's soothing voice. I felt like I was part of something much larger than myself, something that connected me to the land, the trees, and the people around me.

Before she took my leave, I gave her a tour of my Attic Book Club haven Nakhodka. She blessed it with native chants and with a smudging of sage. With a final parting gift, she pressed a small hand carved wooden owl totem into my hands. 

At the next book club meeting, Vargas helped me fix it onto my signage of Nakhodka and the additional charm has been a harbinger of good fortune and a flood of Orenda cruising through our neighbourhood since.

The End

PIC COURTESY:PINTEREST