Jewel of the Spring #1
#1 of Jewel of the Spring
Updated.
Comments are Always Welcomed.
It's said that you can find beauty in every walk of life. Sadly that might be true some the rest have to earn it. Much like everything else in this little world we call home. When life gives you that one golden egg you have to take it or offer it to someone less fortunate. Well, my life was a lot like that more times than I can count. Why don't I simply tell you my story and you can judge for yourself.
It all started one freezing winter night when I passing officer found me. He brought me to a fox monastery just outside the city limits. Sadly it was the closest place considering where he was patrolling that night. Once there he went straight for the main temple hoping someone was awake. "High priestess are you awake I need your help?" He asked. It didn't tale long for someone to come to the door.
"Yes, of course officer what seems to be the matter?" She replied opening a sliding door. When I looked up at her she looked to be very young to be a high priestess. "I found this young wolf cub mix walking the streets. I know it's late but, he was going to freeze to death. All he has are those boxer and nothing else to his name. The boy would have frozen to death if I hadn't stumbled across him." He said placing his hand on my shoulder.
"Has the child said anything to you since you found him?" She wondered glancing at me. "No, I don't think he's ever received any sort of kindness before I found him. He's worried that we might do worse than what's been done already." He replied looking down at me. "Why didn't you bring him to an orphanage instead?" She questioned as he looked back at her. "I didn't know how long he's been out in cold. Besides this place was the closest safe house in the area." He stated.
"I see, alright the boy can stay here until he's old enough to live on his own." She said ushering me over to her. "I thank you for all you've done mother. Good luck little man take care." He smiled as he left the temple. "Come little one let's get you some clothes then into a warm bed." She smiled as she took my hand. She brought me inside a hut where I could find some warm clothes. While she waited outside I looked around and found something comfortable to wear.
As I walked back outside she smiled and took me to a small hut near the garden. I was informed that the vixen that lived here had just recently lost her child. She came here to find peace within her soul after enduring such a loss. The whole time she talked I was concerned for my well being. Would this woman treat me just as cruelly as my parents did until I finally ran away.
The priestess could sense my feelings just by how tight I was holding her hand. "Relax, Miranda will be a good mother for you little one. You may be the very key to healing her broken spirit. Now wait here while I go inside and wake her." She said entering the hut. My first instinct was to run as far away as my legs could go. I knew that I didn't have much strength left to get very far.
"Priestess Azalea what's wrong is there an emergency meeting?" Miranda mumbled from inside. "No, nothing of the sort sister I have a small gift for you. I think it'll help you to begin healing your heart and spirit. It's waiting outside come with me and meet him." She said. It didn't take either of them long to stepped back outside. "Come, here little one I won't harm you." She replied as she knelt down. I stepped back cautiously the high priestess merely walked behind me.
Placing her hand on my back and pushed me towards her. "Don't be shy she'll won't harm you, go ahead and say hello." Azalea stated continuing to usher me forward. While I debated on what she said the other woman moved closer. Before I knew what happened I was wrapped up in her arms. This feeling I always wanted to be held like this. Due to the lack of energy and without warning I passed out from exhaustion.
"Wake Up!, little one don't leave me." She screamed looking down at me. "Relax, he's weak from the lack of nourishment. I'll go bring whatever we have available in the kitchen." Azalea said walking away. From what I can recall Miranda brought me inside her hut placed me in a warm bed. While High Priestess Azalea brought me food and water for when I woke up. They watched over me the rest of night to make sure I didn't need medical attention.
The following morning I awoke to see a hut full of female monks watching over my bedside. "Look, he's waking up, well good morning little man. How are you feeling?" Monk Rita asked leaning forward. "Do you want something to eat or drink sweetie?" Miranda wondered showing me a plate of food and glass of juice. I felt a little overwhelmed with all these women hovering over me. My mind began racing with thoughts of how could escape. My body decided to panic, so I jumped up and made a break for the door.
Before I could get very far one of the monks reached out and caught me. "Take it easy young man you're in no condition to be running around." Monk Kari replied holding my tail. That's why I wanted to get away from this place ASAP. I was far too afraid of all these people they knew this by my reaction. With the powers that be I passed out once again from exhaustion. While I was out I thought it would be best if I remained here. They did actually care about my well being and safety. Sadly it wasn't going to be an easy transition.
Since I was no longer on my own I had to make the best of it. Considering the monks were only trying to help me. So when I woke up for the second time only Miranda was at my bedside. She must have been keeping a close eye on me the entire time. She simply got up, placed a warm meal in front of me then walked out. When she left she gave me some much needed space to think. I scarfed down the meal nearly choking until I drank something.
This was the first decent meal I had in some time, maybe she wasn't so bad. I had to make sure she knew I appreciated her kindness. Granted it will also be my first time I've ever talked. They aren't sure if I can speak I learned by mimicking others. My parents made sure that I never spoke to anyone when they were around. Sadly they enforced everything through verbal and emotional abuse. Luckily no physical damage was done but, it still left scars. Now it would seem that fate has given me a second chance for a good life.
Over the next two years the monks have taken good care of me. I still haven't felt the need to speak. For some reason I still don't trust them to say what's on my mind. Miranda worried that I may never speak for as long as I live. That might be true but, I still think they want something from me. So until I find out what that is I'm remaining quiet. High Priestess Azalea somehow she figured out I could talk. Yet, she hasn't said anything but, my question is why.
Also to my surprise I'm the only male resident at this monastery. There are a lot of vixens here that are my age, younger and older than me. They treat me like they would anyone else like family. Of course they did it with understanding, friendship, trust and respect. Everyone feels that I have got so much to offer. The older monks believe that theory to the utmost extreme. Why should I forgive those that passed by me on the street that night? I do thank that kind officer for finding me and bringing me here that night.
I've often wondered why he didn't do what those other people did, ignore me. After a while I understood that he had job to project and serve. So why help a useless child like me? He should have let me freeze to death. The world might have been a better place without me. Granted I have a wonderful home here at the monastery. I think the time has come that I speak with the high priestess. She might be able to help me sort out these questions.
After morning training and mediation I walked towards the shrine to speak with her. The High Priestess is the only one who can help me find peace. After all it was her job was to give advice and help people overcome hardships. This is my first time going to the shrine so she might be surprised. Especially to ask questions about why I survived that night. What reasons did the grim reaper have ti over look me? Is there any kind of real purpose to my life?
As I walked inside she was talking to a couple of the elder monks. Though she did see me looking around, out of the corner of her eye. Once the monks had nothing else to say they bowed and left. So she calmly made her way towards me but, kept a safe distance. Just on the off chance I changed my mind and left. When she saw I wasn't going to she ushered me inside a small room. This way I could say whatever was on my mind in complete privacy.
"Corey, I'm surprised you came here seeking answers. Normally nobody sees you around here even in passing. What brings you here my child?" She smiled sitting down. "I know I'm required to come here once a week to confess. I really haven't found a real need to do that until today." I spoke calmly after sitting down. "Well, this is certainly a shock you're actually speaking. I never thought in a thousand years you'd ever speak. Do forgive me please ask your questions." She replied. "I was wondering if you knew the reason why I survived that freezing night. What purpose do I have in this life?" I asked.
She took a deep breathe then looked into my eyes endearingly. "Everything we do in life isn't always dictated by the spirits. We simply go by their guidance and nothing more. Why you survived can only be answered by looking within. There's where you'll find the answers you seek. It might not be the answer you're searching for but, it's a start. I'm guessing you came here to give someone a second chance at happiness. She had lost her way until you arrived that night. Me and few other monk were concerned she might have taken her life. Everyone would've had to mourn a fellow monk. So you were like a small blessing looking for his own second chance." She informed.
"Somehow I don't feel like I did anything special honestly. All I seem to do is get in everyone's way." I stated looking away. "Nonsense, my child you have done a lot for us. It may not be noticed by everyone here but, a few of us have. Could we back track a little how long have been able to speak?" She replied. "Since, I came here but, I didn't trust anyone at first. So decided it might be a good idea to stay quiet. I'm sorry for lying about it before I understand if you want to punish me." I said.
"No, child I can see this from your point of view. To come to a strange place then offered a second chance it was a little much. Promise me you'll open up to Miranda. I think she deserves a chance to have someone at home to talk too." She remarked tilting her head. "I don't know it feels alright but, how will she react." I said lowering my ears. "You have but, to try now you had best get home for lunch. Right now I have other things to attend to my child so take care." She said leaving the room.
Maybe she was right, Miranda has made a lot of effort to make me comfortable. I should do something to repay her kindness after all it's the right thing. This might be tougher than it sounds the High Priestess is the first person I've spoken to. So what will Miranda's reaction if I talk to her? She acts very strange when I'm around but, it's a maternal thing. Let's see how this will play out the worse that'll happen is she freaks. She may just bury me her chest like the time we first met.
Once I got to the hut she was inside getting lunch ready I believe. I do enjoy her cooking I wonder if she was ever a professional chef. Maybe that's how I should go about talking to her. It might be a simple enough conversation to get the ball rolling. Either way I have nothing to lose but, everything to gain. Enough stalling I'd better go inside before she wonders where I am. The second I reached out for the sliding door it flew open and Miranda stood there smiling. She must have sensed me coming and decided to meet me at the door.
After she said hello I walked inside and helped her get the table ready. She didn't say much during or after lunch so I figured it was time. "Hello, Miranda how was your day?" I asked. Her ears pricked back then she turned around slowly a slight pause filled the room. "Y...Y...You spoke I was afraid you couldn't, I'm so happy." She said, as tears rolled down her muzzle. "Don't cry I didn't want this to happen." I replied worriedly. "These are tears of joy not sadness my dear." She smiled wiping her face.
After a while we spent a good amount of time talking. I soon began to realize what Azalea meant. She was calling out for someone to fill a void left by another. That someone was me I don't understand why I was chosen but, I accept. She may not be my mother but, I've come to terms with that. I prefer to call her mom instead of the woman who gave birth to me. There are some things in this world we can't change but, we can walk away and start anew.
After dinner was made she looked up at me sitting across from her. "How was your dinner Corey?" Miranda asked. "Good, were you a chef before you came here?" I replied looking back at her. "No actually but, it's one of my favorite hobbies." She said. "Maybe you should get a job doing that." I stated. "Well, do you think I should?" She wondered smiling. "Yeah, I like the meals you make but, maybe you should start small first." I pointed out. "Okay, like cooking for the children then work my way up the ladder." She replied. I nodded yes she squealed with joy then got up and pranced into the kitchen.
I was glad to see her happy but, I felt like she still needed something. Thing was I didn't know what it was and it's not like I could ask. So for now I'll let that matter go. Maybe she'll come to me instead this way it less creepy if I'm asking. Sometimes I wonder if this was all planned or by the will of something beyond my understanding. The whole time I spent thinking I finished doing my chores.
I noticed from a distance that she went from the kitchen towards her bedroom. "Corey could you join me in my room for a second, I have something for you." She said from her bedroom. "I'm coming just give me a second." I replied. Once I finished with my chores I walked into her bedroom. The tone in her voice seemed awful strange but, tonight has been full of surprises. As I got to her bedroom door I politely knocked before entering.
"Come on in dear I'm decent." She stated opening the door. "Okay, I wasn't sure." I said walking in. "Sit right here don't worry I won't bite its just a little gift. I wanted to give you before you turned in tonight." She informed holding up a small box. The second I sat down she opened it and put what was inside around my neck. "What's this for?" I wondered holding it in my hand. "It's a fox totem, Seleucia, the Spirit of Good Fortune. I wanted to give this too you when you fist arrived. You were so jumpy around everyone who tried to interact with you. Recently you've really grown accustomed to living here and everyone. So I thought it was the right time to give it to you." She pointed out. "Thank you I love it Miranda is there anything else on your mind." I replied.
"Now, it's time for you to get to bed, I'll see you in the morning." She said ushering me out of her room. "Goodnight." I said walking away. "Goodnight, my son." She whispered as I went into my room. The night came and went, I woke just as the sun rose over the courtyard. So I got up, put my robes on then walked to the bath house. Before In had to report for morning training and mediation. Naturally I'm not the only early bird to arrive at the bathhouse. The high ranking monks were just getting there themselves.
For some reason they don't like me, I wonder why most of the time. Though if I do ask, I'm afraid if they punish me for being so direct. Once I'm done here I'll go see if High Priestess Azalea maybe she can enlighten me. Surprisingly enough she's not here already normally we run into each other. More than likely she decided to slept in today and nobody has noticed. Then again she could be handling something important at the moment.
"Why are you here? You should be back at your hut until an hour after sunrise." Priestess Hera stated snapping me out my daydream. "Please, forgive me priestess I couldn't sleep. I thought it was best to bath early before morning prayers and training." I replied. "That still doesn't excuse you for being here this early now return to your hut." She ordered. "Leave, the boy alone he hasn't done anything wrong. You on the other hand are speaking well out of line. Now the four of you leave and return here in one hour. Children always come first before anyone especially me, you or anyone else." High Priestess Azalea pointed out as she approached. "Yes, High Priestess please forgive my rudeness." She replied bowing.
Once the other priestesses took their leave, High Priestess Azalea looked at me. "It looks like you beat me here again my child. Shall we go inside and get cleaned up for the day." She smiled as she went in ahead of me. Of course I waited a moment before going inside myself. After removing my clothes I sat down in the soothing warm water. As I closed my eyes for a second as I reopened them. I saw her silhouette in the bath section next door.
"How's the water over there my child?" She asked sitting down. "Fine, high priestess." I replied turning my head away. In case she knew I was watching her. "It's too bad we can't share a bath together I do enjoy talking with you face to face. Unfortunately, I still have to abide by the laws of this temple as does everyone." She stated. "Not only that I'm not old enough for certain things." I pointed out. "True, but, keep in mind you're the very first male orphan adopted by this temple. So the monks aren't sure how to go about interacting with you. I'm doing the best I can to make them see you are no different than them." She informed.
"I don't think you should go through all that trouble. Once I reach the age of sixteen I'll have the choice to either stay or leave." I said. "Yes, I know but, you won't leave here for another six years correct." She said. "That's true ma'am but, I don't think you should be going to such lengths for me. I believe you should spend your time more wisely. Instead of focusing it on more than just one soul at a time. You'd get a lot more done in the course of a day. At least that's what I think anyway it's your choice ultimately." I pointed out. She was silent for a moment as I took a scrubbing comb and began cleaning my tail.
"You honestly think I'm playing favoritism because you're a male?" She questioned as I rinsed my tail. "No, that's not what I was trying to state priestess. We do spend quite a bit time together especially alone though enjoy it. I'm saying is I don't think everyone else here approves." I said. "I see well you do have point my child. That only proves one thing we have a special connection. Besides I'm not all that much older than you are I'm only 16." She stated. "How can you be a High Priestess then?" I asked curiously.
"Simple my mother surrendered her position to me. When I turned 14 she only did it because her health was failing. She died three months later so her position at the monastery was passed down." She informed. "I'm sorry I never knew if it's any consolation my birth mother died when I was born. Not psychically just emotionally, mentally and spiritually. My father well not much of a man or father really." I pointed out. "Well, I that certainly explains a lot about your behavior when you first arrived. You have come a long way since that night." She said taking a moment to rinse off.
"You've proved to them and me just how strong you truly are. All your teachers are amazed how fast you learn. I would like to personally test how far along you are." She stated. "If that is your wish than I accept high priestess." I replied. "Somehow I thought you would now let's remove a small obstruction and talk face to face." She said getting up and pulling a portion of the barrier aside. Before I could reply I turned my head towards the barrier and came to see her in all her female beauty.
Naturally she had her more sensitive areas covered with her towel. Once she sat next to me my face began turning bright red. "What's wrong you seen me plenty of times? Why are you so embarrassed this time?" She asked. "Not in this particular fashion priestess." I stated quickly looking away. Her hand came up to touch my muzzle then she pulled it away. "I see well maybe you should be a little more open minded. I have no plans of making you my mate if that's what you're thinking. I prefer to talk with my friends face to face. Besides nobody else will be here for quite some time so relax." She smiled.
After we finished washing I left the bath house first then she did a few minutes after. With a pleasant wave goodbye we went our separate ways until later this afternoon. As the day went on I couldn't get that one image of her out of my head. Of course when the afternoon rolled around I went to meet her in sparring yard. When I got there she was already stretching out so I began doing the same. "Well, are you ready my friend?" She wondered. "Ready, as I ever will be, don't hold back." I said. "Of course." She replied. Once our sparring session began the whole time we were completely even. We realized that we couldn't out do the other so we settled on a draw.
"Good, you were far better than I thought. We may have to do this again it's been a while since I had a good workout." She said wiping her forehead. "I got just as much out this as you did." I replied tossing her a towel. "High priestess here you are there's someone at the main shrine wishing to see you." Monk Kay informed approaching us. "Duty calls I'll talk to you later, Corey." She smiled walking away. The eight years that followed that interesting afternoon. I grew up into a well respected monk and man. My adult fur came in faster than I hoped it would. Growing up I looked nothing like a Jaguar mix but, it certainly shows now.