Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

Today’s book of inspiration arrived in the post only last week… thank you, Princess Leah!!! It wouldn’t be for everyone, but my darling blogpal knows my interests.

“Deep Sea and Foreign Going” by Rose George.

  8 – investment

12 – can act

16 – had not realised

At lightrise, not only did their own herd and that of the Rimsiders and Lakelickers gather, but also representatives from the Endriders and the Woodpointers. Hill Bert greeted the leaders of each in the centre of the group while Low Sooz mingled among the senior matriarchs offering both welcome and calm words.

As the sun hit the lower branches around the clearing, Hill Bert climbed onto the speaking mound and bellowed, long and low. Silence fell.

“Well met, friends. Thank you for heeding the word. It is especially heartening to find Endriders and Woodpointers here. I, Hill Bert of the Midforesters, was encouraged by my predecessor, Vidge the invincible, to start this discussion regarding the impending threat and taking action to protect our people from the onslaught of fire and cannibals. Vidge was not only the leader of us but accepted by all of you as most senior. As there is need for major change, it is my fervent hope that you will accept me as senior now. Vidge made an investment in my rise, and it was in ensuring this that he left us.” He paused to let this settle. Muttering among the other leaders and the matriarchs was strong, but as far as he could make out, not negative. The four other leaders stepped forward.

“We accept you,” spoke Rinku, the brother of Vidge who had become leader of the Rimsiders. The others nodded, their antlers shimmering in the rising sun.

“Then listen closely dear ones,” continued Hill Bert, now with an edge of urgency in his voice. “We can act with haste – indeed we must – for it now seems that you have all seen the encroachment from the two legs. If any of you had not realised, Vidge himself pointed the way. What I propose today will frighten many, possibly turn you against me. All I ask is that you remember Vidge and rely on his trust in me.”

Hill Bert then outlined his plan of migration to the cliffs and the jump. He was acutely aware of the angst this built among his listeners, but he pressed on.

Low Sooz watched with some awe. She saw her beloved standing high upon the mound, his voice growing stronger with each word and his tone digging into hearts and minds. Gentle, firm, insistent. He was the epitome of persuasion, and even the quivering, pregnant does began to nod in agreement as they heard how Hill Bert was convinced of their survival through this deed of daring. Neither was he allowing them time to ponder it. The migration was to begin the very next morning.

She shuddered herself, thinking of her unborn twins. She would follow Hill Bert to the cliff and beyond. Now was not the time for doubt. Would there be new life over the cliff’s edge?  The only way to know was to take that leap.

(480 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean 2018

... this will be the last of the Hindertwig Tales... for now. Next year, I hope to return to presenting something different each month for FFF. Then again...

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!

Okay. For those who are ready, here is the linky to share your own FFF stories!!! 

Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

Here we are again, the final Friday of another month! Thanks to those who have been taking part; we may be few, but we pack a punch! Remember you can catch up on my forest saga by clicking the label below the post. This month, my chosen book is;

An Angel Named ‘Dog’ by Melody Hewson (Smashwords e-book)

  8 – my imagination

12 – precipice of death

16 –do so

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE

Low Sooz stared at her mate, her leader, wide-eyed and sharp-breathed with astonishment.

‘Never in my imagination did I ever think you would suggest this Hillbee – it is an enormous undertaking you have dreamed up!’

Hill Bert took several long, deep breaths of his own before responding.

‘True, my dear, but can you grasp the vision?’ He watched her closely, for he trusted Soozma with every cell of his being and her guidance – her approval – would be his courage. ‘If we can mobilise all five herds towards that place, I am certain we shall find a way to the lower forests and increase our safety for generations to come.’

The idea had formulated from a dream – or was it a nightmare? – the previous night. Hill Bert had woken believing it to be real and it had taken the break of the sun for him to understand. The idea having stayed the whole day and grown within caused him to believe it had been a visionary experience. That somehow Vidge was plotting a path for him. The lost leader had appeared large and bursting with life in that image, standing at the exact point where he had been dragged by the tussle with Rooper. However, rather than teetering on the precipice of death, Vidge had stared at him, then appeared to leap of his own accord. Rooper was there, but very much peripheral to the event. Hill Bert was as sure as he could be that it was a signal for his next action.

Having pondered the entire day on it, the action which came into frame was to unite the herds, draw them to that precipice… and jump.

Even he felt it a little crazy as he had spoken the idea to Soozma, but he also felt no fear in it. There was a certainty he could not explain to her, or to even himself for that matter. The jumping of the cliff seemed almost to be the easy part if he was honest with himself. Getting the five herds to understand the need, to work together and to trust him as the overall leader; well, that would be some task. To do so, he would have to find allies in each herd and share with them the truth of the danger at the forest edge. That too, without creating panic.

‘Soozma, you and the matriarchs have connections with the Rimsiders and the Lakelickers. For this to go forward at all, we need to curry favour and…’ he swallowed a little nervously, ‘we need to take those we can fully trust to see the cannibals and their horror. We have to alert our people to the need for drastic change.’

‘Yes my love,’ sighed Low Sooz, ‘I can understand this even as I am aghast at what you plan. Let me make quiet enquiries for a few weeks.’

(478 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean

JUST A LITTLE NOTE TO CONCLUDE... OUR PALS ARTY, JAKEY AND ROSY ARE HOSTING SOMETHING SPECIAL - DO VISIT AND COMMENT ON THEIR BLOG THIS WEEKEND, ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE!!!  Click the image to go there.

Menolyrical - Final Friday Fiction

“The Yellow on the Broom” by Betsy Whyte. Birlinn Publns.

  8 – voices calling

12 – anyone about

16 – rough moorland

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE

Hill Bert and Low Sooz managed to keep the herd on track after the tragic news. It had been a challenge. Over and above the obvious advancement to directorship for him, there was the need to settle the order for third, fourth and down to sixth. Beyond that, the ranks could sort themselves.

There were a few voices calling for a retrieval party to scale the far country. It was a vain hope for the survival of Vidge, the much beloved. Hill Bert was able to quell that murmuring by reminding the heads of lineage that there would immense thickets of thunder brush as well as much, very rough, moorland. It would be a risk to more lives to attempt such a search and would serve little purpose. What benefit could be gained from finding broken and shredded bodies which no longer contained the essence of being? In the incredible off chance that Vidge had survived the three-tree fall, he would surely have made his way back to the herd by now. This argument had been accepted except by a couple of the elders who had been fondest of Vidge, but even they could see sense, finally.

What Hill Bert had not told anyone about – not even Low Sooz – was his own concern regarding what had happened. He was almost certain the fall had been choreographed by Vidge. Knowing his mentor as he did, something deep within was whispering that the older buck would have had a survival plan. He was not the type of leader who would commit suicide.  There might never be a way of being sure, but Hill Bert sensed there was a reason Vidge had found a way to provoke Rooper’s attack at that very spot.

Right now though, just as the season was ending and the soft leaves were falling to warm the earth before the snow came, it was imperative that he took stock of the position of the two-legs and their infernal machines, their fires and their flesh-eating ways. It was time to try making contact with the Rimside herd.

Of the five herds of Hindertwig, they were the most vulnerable. Hill Bert and Low Sooz had walked the border of their territory on that survey trek a few months back. It felt like a lifetime ago since he and she had seen the truth of fire and cannibals. Trouble was, the cannibals didn’t eat of themselves, but instead took and burned the flesh of Hindertwiglets. Those two-legs ripped the trees and tore them apart and used their fibres to raise the flames which scorched the flesh. Hill Bert shuddered to his very core as he recalled the sight, the noise and the smell of those invaders.

Now he had to reach out to their neighbour-herd to warn them and form a plan for protection and survival. Alliance of numbers would be required.

(480 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean 2018

Menolyrical - Final Friday Fiction

It's time tell tales again! Join in if you have one to share. If you wish to read other episodes of Hindertwig, hit the label below the post!

From “Unto Him”; CCMT Publications.

 8)  Practices

12) Fervour

16) Keep smiling for me.

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE

The herd gathered by the central tree to bid farewell to Vidge and his youthful entourage. He had often taken bucks away for short periods of time to show them the territory and teach them some practices and traditions of Hindertwig. Everyone in the herd knew, however, that there was something a little different about this departure. It wasn’t something which could be voiced, only felt. It was there to be smelled in the air. Their leader of the past eight seasons was paying extra attention to each of the lineages, making it known this would be a longer separation and that tests would be tough.

The does muzzled their offspring, sisters nibbled brothers. Hooves were stamped softly upon the velveteen grass and mounds of froth moss. The chosen bucks, of which there were seven including Pal Sun and Rooper, held their heads just that little more stiffly and had about them a fervour, a keenness to get going.

At last, Vidge came to his second and third. He spoke, not loudly, yet in such a manner that the words would carry and there could be no mistake of the intention in them.

“Low Sooz, keep smiling for me. I leave you with heavy heart but in the knowledge that you and the herd will fare well under the care of my proxy, Hill Bert.” Vidge hesitated only briefly at the slight murmuring which arose in the gathering. “You know him of old and I honour the bond you have had. I depart with lighter mind knowing the herd has you to watch and guide them.” Thus saying, their leader had not only indicated to the herd that Hill Bert was in charge in his absence, but that he gave permission for the second and third to once again build their bond without fear of reprisal from him. This, in its turn, hinted at the chance of his not returning. He turned and headed North, the bucks falling quickly into line behind him, buffeting each other in competition for placement. Rooper was at the head of them before they disappeared into the forest.

Hill Bert now took his turn of visiting each of the heads of lineage to comfort and settle the slight disturbance which had arisen. Low Sooz followed him and reassured the lower ranks. It was not too long before they were all grazing and attending their normal routines again.

Things continued quietly, until the eighth cycle of the moon, when there was panic among them. Pal Sun, with five others, pounded up to the centre tree and bellowed for Hill Bert. When he arrived, Pal Sun told how Rooper had challenged Vidge whilst they were on the West border, near the Great Twig Cliffs. They had watched in horror as Vidge’s antlers hooked onto Rooper’s prongs and, in a breath, they were over.

The herd, including Hill Bert and Low Sooz, stood in shock at this news. Then muzzles were raised and the cry of loss began.

(500 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean 2018

Menolyrical - FFF

It's here again my dears, Final Friday Fiction!!! 

From page 87 of PRINCE CASPIAN by C S Lewis

  8)  the only one I’d trust

12)  you haven’t the speed

16)  fairly treated

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE

Several weeks passed as Hill Bert and Low Sooz adapted to their new roles, only meeting privately when they were absolutely certain of not being discovered. This was one such occasion. Low Sooz led the way through by the back wall, behind the curtain of the falls. She  had taken Hill Bert there on their first meeting after the routh. Responding to her darling’s surprise at this hidden place she had said,

‘Vidge brought me here. He knows we are meeting – no don’t flinch – he’s the only one I’d trust with this knowledge. We both must trust him. After all, it is due to him we are having to be so clandestine.’

Hill Bert just shook himself and whuffed reluctant acknowledgement of the fact.

Now he questioned her as to why this meeting. ‘Actually, my love, it is Vidge who encouraged this today. He is a little concerned that Rooper is starting to agitate for another challenge to be third. You haven’t the speed to outrun that young bully, so Vidge has made a suggestion.’ She paused to let this sink in with Hill Bert. Not that he was slow on the uptake, but at the moment, she was actually senior to him in the herd and this needed to change before too much longer. The only way that could happen would be a challenge to Vidge to become the first and thus the director of the herd. To do that, there needed to be no risk of being overthrown by one of the younger bucks. Hill Bert said nothing, just held her gaze expectantly.

‘Vidge has told me he would like the younger bucks to have a sense of being fairly treated, so he thinks it is time he took Rooper, Pal Sun and a couple of the other teenagers on a far forage.  This would mean having to leave his third in charge…’ She paused again. Hill Bert was blinking.

‘Soozma! He intends not to return from that trip?!’

‘Correct. What is more, he intends that Rooper will not return. He has not enlightened me as to the how.’

The pair lay watching the water veil and pondered this next enormous step. Vidge was undoubtedly keen that things move more quickly. Hill Bert asked if Low Sooz knew the why of this increase in urgency. She only hesitated slightly, taking her role as second and confidante of the leader very seriously.

‘The work of the two-legs has started to truly threaten our territory. Vidge was wandering the Southern border only two days past and smelled their wickedness. Hillbee, you have the respect of all the herd but Rooper, and he could cause you trouble. Vidge knows that he is not so universally trusted as the leader. He can remove both obstacles to your taking first with this one trip. It is time.’

(475 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean

Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

It's time to enter the Great Forest and read of the Hindertwiglets once more! Click the label link below the post for all other episodes.

Taken from “द्रष्टा - Drshhtaa – The Seer”; PhD publication of Sandeepany Sadhanalaya Batch 15 CCMT

 8;  their results

12;  purified

16;  new knowledge

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE.

Hill Bert nuzzled Meenlah, whuffing and nipping. She eyed him sideways. An older doe, she still had bearing years in her, and it would be wise to broaden the bloodline of her offspring. In her first years, she had always taken stags according to their results from the routh. Then Kern Tup had risen, and she could not see any other but him. Now, here she was, faced with a new match. Unexpected but not altogether undesirable. Indeed, Hill Bert was most admirable to the eye, being the best-proportioned male of the herd and the least marked from routh-challenge. What was more, he was gentle. Low Sooz had been mad to let this one go!

Hill Bert, from his side, tried to keep his thoughts focused on Meenlah. Not easy, when he saw his Soozma flirting outrageously with Vidge. Knowing that Vidge understood what was happening and would not over-advantage himself didn’t make this any easier.

After the routh, he had gone to the falls and stood under the raging current, crisp and cleansing, and offered up his spirit to the Great Forest in an act which both purified and eased him. The rise in ranks would have been his eventually. This fast-tracking, he reminded himself, was at the behest of the current leader and one for whom he held great respect and love. He and Soozma must rise in order to move the Hindertwiglets along and bring them to the new knowledge of the two-legs and the impending danger. To emphasise the urgency for change and to attend to the needs of the forest accordingly.

Hill Bert had continued pondering why himself and not Kern Tup, but Vidge would not have made this decision lightly. While Rooper and Pal Sun were clearly not skilled for such leadership, Kern Tup might have been thought so. In having challenged him in routh successfully, Hill Bert now realised what Vidge had long before. The elder stag was carrying many injuries – well and hidden, but debilitating nonetheless. Had either of Rooper or Pal  Sun taken up challenge, they too might have prevailed and then Hill Bert would have had a rather more difficult rise. Perhaps impossible. This would have resulted in a disastrous hierarchy as the does would all be vying for prime also. No. This had been timely and appropriate, and even though he did not yet feel entirely suited to leadership either, Hill Bert accepted the faith put in him by his senior.

Sweet and enticing, he persuaded Meenlah to enter the mating glade with him.

(426 words.) 

© Yamini Ali MacLean 2018

😻😻😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

Here it is again, the final Friday of the month. Time to visit Hindertwig once more. To see the story so far, click the title or the label below.

Using page 87 of Holy Gita Ready Reference by Sw. Advayananda CCMT
 8: of life
12: the very doubt
16: the teacher

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE

Hill Bert approached Kern Tup with a degree of deference. The routh was now well underway but there was no call for rushing in like a yearling. He and Kern had shared some fun times in earlier rouths, both having settled for the same does over a number of years. For Hill Bert, it was Low Sooz, and for Kern Tup it was Meenlah. For the last two seasons, however, the older couple had not produced fawns. Meenlah was still of age, capable of life generating in her belly, so the fallow must be Kern’s.

Kern Tup eyed the younger male who came to him now. He a watched the rippling muscle and the well-proportioned antler crown, swaying gently as an invitation to engage. He had observed earlier when Hill Bert had challenged and chased off both Rooper and Pal Sun, something he had not expected to witness so soon. Then again, he had also seen how Low Sooz had inveigled her way into Vidge’s space. Could he face a full engagement with Hill Bert now? This was the very doubt his opponent was having in his turn, had Kern but known it. Nothing of this concern showed in Hill Bert’s demeanour, however.

As Vidge’s second these past several seasons, Kern Tup was seen as the teacher. The one to whom the young were given for guidance in Hinderness and history. If Hill Bert won this challenge he, in turn, would have to take up the mantle of teacher. While he had been attentive himself during learning times, there had been no particular evidence shown that he could take on this task.

‘Then again’, thought Kern, ‘just how ready was I?’ He whuffed the air as he saw the irony of the situation and decided at that moment to engage. He charged Hill Bert with full force.

Hill Bert was ready. The success over Rooper and Pal Sun had not only encouraged him but honed his skills at routh, and as the antlers of the two handsome males crashed, the sound echoed throughout Hindertwig, causing all the does to stop grazing, the younglings to prick their ears and the bucks to sniff the air expectantly.

For what seemed like eighty-seven days, the males twisted and turned, seeking each to turn the other upon his back. In truth, the time was barely eighty-seven minutes. Lengthy enough, compared to most challenges. It proved that Kern Tup was not yet done, but he was also no longer dominant. Then came the briefest moment where he sought to shift and re-lock. In that split second, Hill Bert withdrew completely, leaving Kern unbalanced and surprised. Like lightning, Hill Bert was back upon him and flicking wildly, had the senior on his back as if by some magic trick.

Hill Bert secured the position of second to the first that day.

(476 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean 2018

MenoXceptional is the act of Forgiveness; FFF

]am

Kshaama - forgiveness

(There is no 'x' in Sanskrit - 'ksh' is the closest sound.)

Incorporating A-Z into my regular Final Friday Fiction. To see the preceding tales, click here. Those dropping by from A-Z, the theme remains but couched now in some short fiction. If you wish, you may join in but please read the rules… unless you have a story/poem/anecdote posted according to them, please do not use the linky. The YAMster can be surprisingly strict!

The book chosen for its page 87 - "Shankara The Missionary" (CCMT, o.o.p.)

8 - he declared

12 - great love

16 - Master

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE.

Low Sooz was brazen. Hill Bert had no idea she had it in her. There was a bit of him which started to wonder. Did she have her own agenda in rising through the ranks? Each night, though, she returned to him on their favourite patch of froth moss and he was reassured. She was his great love, and he could imagine no other.

Every time, Low Sooz requested his forgiveness. There came the day he wondered at this.

“What to forgive, Soozma? We have agreed on this action between us.”

“Yes, my sweet, but if I do not ask your forgiveness each day, I fear I will never be able to forgive myself. That would lead to forgetfulness and our road would be fraught with mud and fog.”

“Well!” he declared in return, “again I am reminded how very wise you are. You are the Master of the art of Hinderness!”

“Master? Surely you mean mistress?”

“No my sweet. Until we have something to add to the language, I mean Master. I do not believe there is any who can better you. You are equal to all, yet stand apart. I do not only love you, Soozma, I am in awe of you.” He paused, gazing into her luminous eyes. “Soozma, whatever it is that we must do, we do because there is a greater call. Our leader has asked it of us. You will not require my forgiveness, but I give it anyway. Forgiving ourselves… well, that may be harder, the deeper this play takes us. You are right to not let us forget. Forgive whilst things are small, or we may not be able to forgive at all. Is it not so?”

Low Sooz gleamed, her smile so gentle and the look in her eye so understanding, Hill Bert thought that if he never woke tomorrow, heaven could not be this fine.

"Yes, Hillbee… but then to forgive would be greater still."

(358 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean

2018

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This post is connected with reference made in the "Q" for Kharu post. Forgiveness was alluded to and it brought out some great comments. One, in particular, prompted me to extend this post with the core of my response to it.

It can be very difficult to rise above our ego-self both to ask and to give 'sorry', no denying. Please think on this, however... Forgiveness, if applied, does heal. However, in continuing to 'work' the wound, if pain continues or worsens because of this, then forgiveness has not been applied, only words said. 

Just as there is capital 'ell' Love, there is also True Forgiveness. No grudge held, no festering, no revenge plotted. If we learn to say 'it's okay I forgive you' without it being in our hearts and minds we are not only misleading the forgiven but damaging ourselves as the forgiver. Conversely, if we learn to say sorry for the small things each day, with genuine intent, knowing how to seek forgiveness, we can also find it in ourselves to forgive on a daily basis. Our 'forgiveness muscle' gets good exercise so that when the real test comes, we can find that space in our hearts to ask and to give forgiveness. To do this when the need is greatest requires the strongest part of our character, that part which is the master of its own destiny.

Forgetting is not a required part of forgiveness. However, if forgiveness has truly taken place, the remembering can be viewed as if on a screen; the incident may be unpleasant but can not directly affect us. True Forgiveness releases bonds of the past no matter how strong or how tenuous. Only then, can we start afresh. 

Beyond the purpose of these articles on spiritual uplift, as a counsellor, I had to work with many clients on aspects of asking and giving forgiveness and there are a variety of exercises and tools which can be applied, even for the deepest and most ancient pains. This is clearly not the place to elaborate on such - but I can provide this link, from which arise a number of other highly valuable links, for general reading and understanding. 

Learning to properly seek and give forgiveness is one of the most empowering things you will ever do for yourself.

Menolyrical - Final Friday Fiction

It's FFF time again folks! If you are wondering what it's about, check out the Rulez page for details.  There have been some wonderfully creative and varied responses so far this year. CLICK HERE to see the previous three instalments of the Hindertwig tales. You can also look at the links to others who participated and see how they got inspired. Go on, have a go; just let the words or phrases which jump out of the lines on page 87 lead your mind around its secret corners!!!

The book taken by myself this month is Alexander McCall Smith's 'The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine'

    8.    As an ally

12.   Something confidential

16.   Edge to his voice

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE

For several more days, Hill Bert and Low Sooz continued as they had always done, grazing with the secondary flick of the herd. By virtue of Hill Bert’s being fourth, they had occasionally loped with the lead flick, which made them cuspers. Not really of one flick or the other. It was seen as an advantageous position, having a level of authority without too much responsibility. As Low Sooz was ninth, they had to stand a little betwixt and between. For him to reach first would be trying enough, but they also had to work on raising her through the ranks to second, and that could well be trickier.

It essentially meant that despite being her permanent, Hill Bert would have to act as an ally to Low Sooz. It might even mean that they would have to consider mating separately in the next routh.  When he had spoken to her of ‘eight’ ahead of them, he had not been including himself. Instead, he had been placing Vidge’s first buck son in the mix, which was custom at such times.  Whilst in the general running of the herd he was fourth, in terms of their moving to leadership, Hill Bert had to consider himself as equal ninth to his permanent.

“Soozma,” he murmured the endearment when they were separate from others, “I have something confidential I need to discuss. Will you walk with me to the falls?”

Low Sooz just turned and headed that way as affirmation.

They found a soft mound of froth moss, dappled by the shadows of the Shylet tree, the leaves breaking the sunlight into quick hard sherds and twinkles. As they settled upon it, Hill Bert could feel his blood rushing. He did not want to do this, but there was a long game to be played.

“Soozma dearest, we must now set firm plans for our rise. Vidge will leave freely, so our focus must be on the remaining six.” He could hear an edge to his voice, brought on by the stress of this new step. “It would not go well if we were seen working as one. With the upcoming routh, we must seek different mates.” Low Sooz gave the softest of gasps but also nodded. He loved her still more.

“I believe it will go best if I concentrate on Kern Tup and Meenlah. Kern is older than Vidge, and I sense he is growing weary of holding position. Meenlah was Vidge’s permanent until last year; this year I intend to make her mine, thus becoming third.” He paused for breath and to check Low Sooz. She took up the plot.

“Should I make a play for Vidge’s attention? Bypass the others and become second by direct action?”

Hill Bert was slightly aghast. He had been thinking several moves, but Low Sooz had seen a clear path. It could be risky but would have them positioned in this year itself.

(497 words) © Yamini Ali MacLean 2018

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Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

From 'Ideas and Opinions', Albert Einstein
8.  its director
12.  although
15.  constant interaction
IN HINDERTWIG ONCE **
Resting beneath their home tree, the dark having fallen, Hill Bert and Low Sooz chewed the cud of the froth moss. They had mated in the first year of Hill Bert's routh. Low Sooz was an entire year older and first-calved already, but they were well-matched. She had accepted him as her permanent. For five years they had produced fine calves and cemented their worth to the herd.
"Do you believe Vidge? That he wants you to become the director?"
Hill Bert snorted. "'Director'?" He paused and considered the word. "Although, that may be a better description than 'leader'. It would be fair to say keeping a herd of Twiglets in order is more about pointing a direction than having them follow. Vidge always stands behind, bellowing at us all."
Low Sooz sniggered. "Yes, but do you believe him? It seems designed to unsettle the herd, favouring us over the second to ninth."
"It does. Yet I also sense the change which Vidge wishes for our herd. He has smelled the flames of the cannibals. He knew what we would find. It is dangerous knowledge which we must safeguard. Think about the eight before us. The top job requires a talent for constant interaction. Do any of that eight strike you as being communicative? Of having the commitment to the herd over and above their own wishes? This is what Vidge needs of us. We are not shy. We are not self-centred. We know that we are We, only because of our fellow Twiglets." he saw Low Sooz watching him. Her large, oval eyes were luminous, even in the dim light of nighttime Hindertwig.
"No. Though, it may be necessary for us to communicate with them, as we work our way. They shall need to be … pointed… in directions which might be better for them. As Vidge has done with us today."
Hill Bert pondered this a moment. "True, but then, why does our illustrious elder not already attend to this?"
"It could be that he must not be seen to be favouring. Rather, it must look as if we are climbing."
"This could indeed be the case, my love! I also see why Vidge named you as second, for your insight and guidance to me are strong."  He paused as the implications of how life was about to change for them hit home. An involuntary shudder in his limbs and a sigh from the depths of his being, caused his mate to ask what was wrong.
"Nothing more than the facing of destiny, dear one. Let us sleep now."
(405 words)
©Yamini Ali MacLean 2018
** Well, it seems that Hindertwig is definitely turning into a serial - it even got a title! Here are the links to the first two 'episodes', but from today, there will be a separate label for it, for ease of following.
PART ONE
PART TWO

Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

Book; JOHNATHON LIVINGSTON SEAGULL (Richard Bach)

8; TERRIBLY SORRY

12; LIMITATIONS

16; SAID DRYLY

Continuing the tales of Hindertwig. To see the first, click here.

Hill Bert and Low Sooz slowed their pace as they came back into the village. They had not shared a word between them since leaving that awful scene of the murdered Hindertwiglet and the two-legger flesh eaters feasting upon it. Hill Bert was trembling inside at the thought of telling Vidge.

He didn’t have too long to think about it though. The whispers of the undergrowth had announced their arrival, so Vidge was waiting for them at the Centree. The leader’s expression asked the question.

‘Vidge, Sah,’ began Hill Bert, using the deferential title, ‘we are terribly sorry to report that there is truth to the tales. We saw with our own eyes creatures who walked on their hind legs only and used their forelimbs to act heinously. Sah, they had murdered a Hindertwiglet and placed it over that which we believe to be ‘fire’, and it turned the flesh molten. Those beasts tore at it and gnawed upon it and the bones. The smell was sickening beyond words, the sight one that can now never be unseen.’

‘Next you’ll be telling me you will suffer nightmares and day horrors,’ Vidge said dryly. Hill Bert was taken aback and heard Low Sooz gasp at this harshness from their revered leader. Vidge softened his tone. ‘This was not meant to hurt you. It is just that you must do your best to leave that image where it lies and not carry it with you. This is the way of the forest.’

Low Sooz spoke up now. ‘Vidge, Sah, something in your voice says to me that you knew exactly what we would find; that it was no myth. Am I right?’

There was a long pause. ‘Follow me to the stream. We must discuss this out of the hearing of others.’ Vidge turned and led the way. Once they had refreshed themselves, he took them along to the ridge and they settled down to look over the treetops to the far perimeter of the forest. Vidge spoke again. ‘Twiglets, please know that this task I set you is because you are to become leaders when I am gone. It is not for some time yet, so rest easy! However Hill Bert, you currently are fourth, but your heart and thinking are much wider and stronger than either of Rooper or Pal Sun. Low Sooz, you are ninth, but your loyalty and trustworthiness shine strong. As first and second, you would lead Hindertwig in meaningful ways. To do this, you must overcome your current limitations. You must start to challenge Rooper and Pal Sun. I love them dearly, but they have not the spirit of true leadership. This challenge was not meant to scare you, but to strengthen you in the knowledge of the greater world. One can only protect others when all the facts are yours.’

Hill Bert and Low Sooz, astounded, bowed their heads in acknowledgement of the honour bestowed upon them.

(492 words © Yamini Ali MacLean 2018)

Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

Welcome! Hope a few of you at least have given the fiction prompt a go... here's mine; and if you did attempt it, link up with the blog hop. It will remain open for seven days.

having only each other, cannibals and fire, sounded like a horrible idea.

From “An Angel Named Dog”, by Melody Hewson.

Hill Bert and Low Sooz wandered along the path which they had started out on some hours ago. Or maybe it was days. They weren’t sure because the canopy of the trees was so dense it seemed like permanent night.

When Vidge had told them to go check out whether there really were cannibals and fire to be found in the depths of the forest, they had thought it sounded like a horrible idea. However, having only each other to fight against the whole council, they had lost that argument and here they were. Deep in it.

Their feet were agile on the soft forest floor, which was carpeted with pine needles and moss and ferns. With eyes well-adapted to the low light of Hindertwig, they were alert to anything which might point to fleshmunchers or look like something which might be called fire. Having no idea what fire actually was, they really didn’t have any idea what it would look like. Vidge had only told them they would know when they saw it. It was something which had been in Hindertwig once, far behind time, and because of that there would be memory which would awaken, when it was seen.

Before anything their eyes picked up, though, came a smell. Not like anything they had smelled before. Instinctively they followed their noses. It was but moments before they heard noise. Voices? Loud and harsh to their ears. As they clambered over a pile of fallen tree, Hill Bert and Low Sooz became aware that the air had brightened as well as become more smelly.

Peering over the top of the pile, they both recoiled at first; the onslaught of light, noise and odour was overwhelming and they both gagged from it. Snuggling close, they peeked again.

That must be it. Fire. Fallen trees were glowing with orange and yellow and white and green and blue and it danced and hissed and sparked and rose high above the gathering. They were in awe of it. More frightening, though, were the figures which moved around the crazy mound of light. They walked on their hind legs, they shouted, and they were eating. Hill Bert and Low Sooz now felt truly sick. Those monsters were eating a Hindertwiglet, one of their own. The could see the legs and the ears and nose. That dear thing was stuck through from throat to clinch and suspended above the fire. It sizzled and dripped and the monsters tore off that damaged flesh and gnawed hungrily at it.

Were these the cannibals then? Those who eat the flesh of other living beings? Did they not understand that they ate of themselves, even if in different form?

Oh the shock, the horror. Hill Bert and Low Sooz crept silently backwards then broke into a gallop back to the homebase. They had to report to Vidge that cannibals and fire did indeed exist, but that they were best left in myth…

(493 words)  © Yamini Ali MacLean 2017