Forest God

~ 4 ~

Trigger Warning: Child Loss

I woke up with cramping.

I sat up straight in bed and wiped the hair from my face. A coating of sweat sits there and down my chest. I felt dirty. Pushing back the fur covering me, I stand up and look down and see a small stain. My monthly must have come earlier than I expected, and I can't help but feel anxious. Flint became made saying that I ruined the gifts we had so graciously received. I told him I would clean the blood as best as I could, but he wasn't having it. I didn't need him angry again. Our relationship is already tense as it is.

Flint had left early this morning with Sol and a couple of other hunters. They were going to train the young men who recently came of age and assigned the role of hunters for the village. Some of our hunters were close to becoming Elders, so it's a good thing more people were assigned to help. I knew they would be gone until the sun set, giving me ample time to clean the house and then go meet up with the other women having their monthly bleeding. Flint would never know I had bled anywhere.

I move about our home, bringing the soiled fabric with me out our back door. The wash basket remained close by, and I hid them lower in it so nobody would see. Some people still believe it was bad luck to see a women's monthly blood. It was better this way. Running back into the house, I hurriedly change my clothes and grab the knapsack I needed to bring with me. I threw it over my shoulder and remade the bed hoping nothing was amiss. Going back through our house, I stop and grab my waterskin and some lavender to throw in the laundry water. Satisfied I have everything I need; I head out of the back door and secure the house for Flint's return.

Laying the lavender and waterskin on top of the clothes, I grab both handles of the wash basket and begin heading to the creek. I pass by a couple of villagers and exchange hellos but otherwise remain quiet. Some of the women were unhappy that I received both male and woman roles and ignored me completely. On the days I help to prepare meals, we do so in silence with the women sneaking glances at me every now and then. It was honestly so stupid, but I carried on. I rather get my work done in peace versus being ridiculed while I'm in the room.

"Welcome Sister Wren! We were wondering when you'd be joining us!" Sister Clove calls out as I get closer to the creek bed. I give her a smile. In the few months since Flint and I have been married, I've gotten closer to her.

"What took you so long?" asked Sister Fern. She was sitting on a woven stool by the riverbed, wringing water out of her clothes.

I place my basket down in between them and begin to unload the dirty clothes into the water. "My monthly started today. I had to clean up before leaving so Flint wouldn't come home and see that." I'm sure he'll be frustrated anyway though. I wasn't with child yet.

"Well then I guess you'll keep me company then," Sister Clove laughs out. "Mine had started yesterday, and the women in the den are not good fun I tell you. Nobody wants to talk to each other in there."

"That's because everyone's cranky." I can't help but laugh at the straight face Sister Wren makes when she says that. She looks over at me and smacks my arm playfully. "What? It's true! We all get moody during that time."

"Oh I know, but you said it so matter of factly. It was quite funny."

"Yea, yea. Laugh it up. You'll be singing a different tune next time I join you two."

"Speaking of that, when was the last time you joined us at the den?" I stop washing my clothes and look up at the two of them. Sister Fern looks deep in thought as she continues to scrub with Sister Clove peering over my shoulder at her.

"Two moon cycles ago I think," she says, finally stopping her washing and looking up at us. Her eyebrows were high in her hairline. "I think I might be with child."