The walk to the Grove was pleasant. It seemed whenever she got the chance to be outside, the very air calmed her, and when they strode through the forest, the scent of pine and loam relaxed her to the core. The Grove was even more calming and soothing, the appearance of an Elder Druid the only thing that momentarily set her on edge. "The Family Stone. Welcome."
Colin told the Elder Druid what had come to pass and also informed him that he wanted to check on Orn's abilities or lack thereof. With a gentle demeanor, the Druid took Orn over to a very stout oak and placed a hand upon it. She watched as the little boy who at once was laughing and squealing went into a sudden hush. "He hears the music of the ancients." Both the Druid and the boy laughed, hearing something only they shared. It tugged at Sanria knowing she once had that ability.
After determining Orn did have magical abilities, the Druid focused on her. He took her to the oak, chanting, and placing her hand upon it. While she felt nothing, the Druid was able to assess her. And it appeared she had homework. "You chant this upon every walk you take, it is the thanks and offerings to the many trees. If you can speak to them, you will learn all you ever need know." The Druid handed her a leaf upon which was scrawled an enchantment. It wasn't enough.
"What about my memories," she asked.
"There are some blessings we should be grateful for - and this - so says the venerable oak - is one of those. You had a heavy heart. Take comfort in the lightness you've been granted. Let the present be the present and look not to the past for definition. You have been given a gift. Take it and make the most of it. All else will fall into place in time."
It wasn't what she had hoped for. The Druid stopped by Orn and knelt down to the boy. With a chant, he handed Orn a stick which sent the tiny boy into peals of squealing ecstasy. With a farewell, the Druid disappeared. None of this was what was supposed to be happening. This trip was supposed to be her answer and help her, not leave her more confused.
Orn suddenly held out his stick, babbling to her. She gave a meek smile and reached up, taking hold of it. In shock, she heard the little baby as clearly as if he had spoken aloud, 'Mama share Orn stick!'
'Mama?' she asked, staring at the boy who just as seriously stared back at her. Suddenly he broke into a smile so much like his father's.
'Mama! Orn mama.!'
A sudden warmth flooded her, as though for the first time she saw clearly that this was her son. Colin was his father. She was his mother. All the times of feeling as though she didn't belong. It was a warmth breaking through the chill, light in the darkness. She looked at Colin with a deep grin. "He is my son..."
"Yes," Colin said, smiling back. "He is."
