Neophyte

Mariana

Victoriano noticed that Metztli swayed back and forth and knew she would faint. Unfortunately, he wasn't quick enough to catch her, and Metztli landed on the floor with a loud thud. The impact was so loud that Federico and a Native man immediately opened the door; they feared that Vicotriano was attacked or hurt. "Padre Victoriano, are you alright! What happ-" Federico saw Metztli on the ground unresponsive. 

Victoriano immediately knelt beside an unconscious young woman and put two fingers on her neck. "Thanks be to god. She still breaths."

"What happened to her?"

"We spoke briefly, but she spoke of things I had never heard of. She fainted when I told her of the current year that we are in." Victoriano then gently put his hand over her forehead. "She is slightly warm; perhaps the heat made her delirious and weak. We need to take her to the infirmary. We need two people to-"

"Padre Victoriano, I can carry her there. There is no need to call the Natives since we don't want word to spread out about this woman. However, having Mariana to check upon her would be wise."

Victoriano nodded and looked at the Tongva man, "Por favor, pregunte por Mariana, inmediatamente. Dígale que es urgente (Please ask for Mariana immediately. Tell her it is urgent)!"

The man nodded as he followed his orders. Federico gently carried Metztli in his arms. He and Victoriano immediately walked toward the infirmary, but they received stares from many of the Mission's occupants and workers. They eventually arrived in the infirmary, where there were many injured and ill Tongva men and women. Some friars tended to the ill and injured,  and they saw the Bishop and Padre. "Is there a bed available?" asked Federico.

"Y-Yes, right here, Padre," answered one of the friars. Metztli was gently put on the bed, and Federico looked at the friars. "Bring some water and other medicines; Mariana will arrive momentarily."

The friars did as they were told, leaving the other occupants unattended. "It was not necessary to order all of them. It was a simple task, Padre Federico," said Victoriano as he looked at Metztli. 

"Forgive me, Bishop. I never have seen this woman in the Mission or any villages. I do agree that she spoke of strange things. Not only that, but she can also speak English. Something unheard of from these heathens."

Victoriano eyed the Padre. "Must I remind you how to speak about the Tongva, especially before me? They may differ from us, but they are still god's children. Remember our duty to the Natives; we must show them that our god is just and loving."

Federico refused to show his disdain; the Bishop knew he didn't think highly of the Natives. He only saw the Natives as livestock to help the Missions prosper; it was something the Bishop tried not to see. The Natives' free labor brought financial prosperity and stability to the Missions. Yet, Federico hated that he had to be responsible for their wellbeing. His thoughts were interrupted by the coughs of the ill echoed in the infirmary. "Filthy heathens. I would let you all burn in the depths of hell." He then focused on the unconscious Metztli; parts of her dress and hair were sprawled throughout the pillow and bed. "How can a woman with heathen blood hold such beauty?"

Victoriano also looked at the young woman and noticed her bag; he gently took it off her but decided not to look inside. He didn't want to invade her privacy, but once Metztli woke up, she would question. The more the Bishop looked at her, the more he noticed her beauty. It worried him since there would be many men who would desire her, even Spanish men. Although many Spanish soldiers and ranchers wanted a Spanish woman, a mestiza who looked Spanish enough would be acceptable. "I doubt that this young lady would want to marry a Spaniard. I could tell that she has a strong character."

"Bishop, llegue (I arrived)."

Federico and Victoriano noticed an older woman who looked to be in her early to mid-forties. She had long raven hair with a couple of white strands, nicely done in a ponytail. She had dark tan skin and black eyes. Her face was slightly round with light wrinkles and an average figure. She wore a light brown dress with flower decorations on the bottom parts of the dress, a black shawl, and handmade jewelry. 

"Ah, Mariana. You arrived."

"I have. I was told that you needed for me to look at someone."

Victoriano motioned her to Metztli's bed, and Mariana looked at her; her eyes widened. "Dios mio (My god), she is a beauty." Mariana went to Metztli, gently touching her forehead and checking her neck pulse. "Her heart rate is well but is slightly warm. What happened to this young lady?"

"She and I spoke momentarily, but she spoke of many strange things I had never heard of. She spoke something about a twenty-first century."

Federico and Mariana looked at the Bishop. "Twenty-first century? What nonsense does she speak of? I wonder if she is even from here."

"We will only know until she awakens, and once she is questioned, we will have to decide where she is to go."

Mariana raised an eyebrow. "So, you will not let her go, Vic-I mean, Bishop?"

Victoriano sighed as he put his hands and arms behind him. "I would like to, but you know mercenaries, rancheros, and the Soldados de Cuera are everywhere. She is a mestiza who can make it out of Spanish blood, and with her beauty, it is not wise for her to be let go."

"You are right. Perhaps when the harvest season ends, there will be more leniency. Perhaps, she can come with me and my children. She-"

"I have another suggestion." Victoriano and Mariana looked at Federico, who looked unfazed. "Perhaps she can work here in the Mission. There is a possibility that she holds knowledge and skills. This woman can speak English, which only the Padres and those with high ranks know." Federico glared at Mariana, who looked indifferent. "As well as you, Mariana." The Padre wasn't fond of Mariana since not only was she a Native but also well-educated. Only those who earned the Padres' and Bishop's respect could get educated. However, he believed women should be educated. "Women belong in the home and to serve, yet this Native savage believes to be like us."

The Bishop looked thoughtful. Nowhere was safe, not even in the Mission, since the Natives were mistreated by many of the friars. He was against the violence toward the Gabrielinos, but cruelty was still practiced, even in secret. Even his superiors believed that punishments were still needed. However, there was no other place Metztli could go to be safe. "Very well, we will keep her here, but I will decide what her duty will be once she awakens. Mariana, will you watch over her?"

Before Federico could object, Mariana said, "Yes, Bishop. I will stay here until she awakens."

"Good, Padre Federico. Please come with me. I have something I would like to discuss with you."

The Padre nodded and was about to leave the room, but not before he and Mariana glared at one another. He left Mariana alone with Metztli and the other ill occupants. She looked at the young woman and shook her head. "So much beauty that will lead to such misery."