The Life of Ebony Ibre

Chapter 2

 THE TEACHER & HIS APPRENTICE 

Two figures, side by side, sat together on a stone bench, resting quietly while surrounded by a natural beauty thought only to be found in story books. The sun shone on their backs, creating two shadows in front of them. One small; the other large. Two obscured outlines of a teacher and his apprentice.

The leaves of the trees rustled, as the wind blew through them, while tree birds fluttered and sang. The teacher rested in meditation and presumed, as many teachers do, that his apprentice was doing the same. However, the novice was too engrossed in the world around them to care for such things and patiently waited for her instructor to speak.

The little girl was confused as to why her teacher had led her outside to the garden maze early this morning for today's session, instead of their normal classroom inside the manor. Now, she could see why, for within the hedge walls of the maze dwelt peace and harmony. She was perfectly content to let time go by while in the enchanted garden.

The girl was seated in the middle of a beautiful clearing within the maze. The hedges that guarded this safe haven were tall and thick, with flowers and vines hanging from them. Small shrubs and flower bushes were scattered about the clearing, separated by a dirt path that led to the white stone bench. The path divided, yet complemented the garden, creating two sides that were evenly decorated with natural elements.

She took another look around her current abode, swinging her legs back and forth in pleasure. From outside, the garden maze appeared dangerous and intimidating, but within was a beautiful treasure. The little girl would have loved to get off the bench and take a tour of the whole place, but with her teacher here, she wasn't sure if that was a good idea. So, she contended with her view on the bench, greedily taking breaths of the fragrant air.

She looked at her mentor again, who's eyes were still closed. The girl closed her eyes, deciding to finally follow her instructor's example and tilted her face to the sky. She smiled at the sensation of the sun toasting her chestnut face.

"Ebony."

Ebony opened her eyes at the sound of her name and looked towards her instructor.

"Do you know why I brought you here?"

"Umm... because you want today's lesson to be held here."she said firmly. "In this beautiful place!"

"No.", he spoke dryly. "And there will be no lecture today."

"What!? No lecture? Why!? You always lecture me."

The teacher furrowed his brows at his student's words and looked at the child but sighed upon seeing her face. It was clear by her expression she didn't fully understand what her words implied. He sighed.

"I won't be teaching you today, because I will be showing you something instead. Something important... It is-"

"What is it?"

"Don't interrupt!" the instructor barked, clearing his voice and starting again. "What I am going to show you is something important. It is the reason for your training."

"Oh." she whispered. After a moment of silence, Ebony slowly raised her hand.

"... Can I say something now?"

"Yes." the instructor sighed.

"Since I don't have a lesson, does that mean I don't have to do my studies?" she asked hopefully.

The instructor tried hard not to smile as he looked at his pupil. "I think I will give you a lesson after all."

"Augh!" Ebony groaned, sprawling herself on the bench dramatically.