Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

Second last month of the year, it's the final Friday of that month, therefore it must be time for fiction!!!

The Oxford Book of Wildflowers

  8)  by streams and in ponds

12)  hollow

16)  compound

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE

Low Sooz did as promised, bonding more firmly with the matriarchs of their herd before starting to drop hints of the trouble which was looming for the creatures of Hindertwig. There were a few who denied such possibility, but once they agreed to have Hill Bert come and speak with them even they began to share the concern.

“You truly saw these cannibals?” was the question most frequently asked. Shaking of heads followed the affirmative response.

Soon enough, the whole herd was aware of approaching risk and a need for change. Low Sooz was able to engage several of the senior matriarchs in travelling to the neighbouring herds. By streams and in ponds, the birds and the fish of the forest continued their lives with no concept of the rumbling in the land around. Low Sooz envied them. It seemed like an eternity since she and Hill Bert had made that trek for Vidge – since their innocence had been broken. She felt hollow inside. There was an ache for the knowledge of Hill Bert’s plans, but also for the news she had not yet shared with him. It would not be her news alone. Other females of the herd would also be as she was. If they were to move to the cliff edge as planned, it would be at the time of the birthing of fawns. She was not at all sure that Hill Bert had calculated, or even considered, this matter. To compound things further, she was almost certain she carried two. A rare and precious occurrence.

She went to Hill Bert and gave him their personal signal. Behind the waterfall in their favourite glade, she told him of her worries.

“Twins?... TWINS?!! Oh Soozma, that is such wonderful news!” He pranced around the cave like a fawn himself, before realising that his darling was a little less enthusiastic. He drew a long breath. “Soozma, unless we make this move before the white covers the green, it will matter little what joy comes, for I truly believe it will not stay as joy for long. As harsh as the journey may be on some, it is essential for Hindertwiglets as a whole. Does this cause you to hate me?”

“Of course not, Hillbee, but can you see no alternative to the cliff jump? The journey will be risky enough without this.”

He pondered for a few moments. “No, it must be done this way. If it is done at all… is there any word back from the other herds?”

“Yes. It turns out that the Rimsiders were already aware – hardly surprising really – and they are in close contact with the Lakelickers already, wondering what to do. Word from Banny-ma is that they are likely to receive strong guidance favourably.”

“Good. We shall call a gathering for lightrise tomorrow!”

(470 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean 2018

It is also St Andrew's day - patron saint of Scotland. Allow me this indulgence!

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