Neophyte

Toypurina

Metztli was amazed at how different the Mission was from her timeline. The Mission she grew up visiting and working at was well-built, clean, and organized.

Everything was different in the timeline she had traveled to; the walls were built of mud bricks, rocks, and stones. Many wooden fences surrounded different areas where livestock were kept, and fields of vegetables and fruit were grown.

Mariana then showed Metztli the many rooms, some of which were classrooms where many Tongva children were taught Spanish, music, and prayers. Other classes taught adult men and women prayers and the Catholic faith. Metztli was reminded of her time at the San Gabriel Mission School, where the nuns taught her and her classmates prayers and how to sing them.

It almost brought a tear to her eye.

Valentina suddenly arrived before the women, standing apart from them, watching her people sing the prayers. Shen felt disgusted and infuriated to see her people practice a religion that was never theirs to begin with. "We must continue. I wish to go to my room."

Mariana glanced at her daughter, motioned for Metztli to follow her, and led her to the kitchen, where many women were cooking. "You will be in your room soon, Valentina, but I promised Metztli to introduce her to some of our people. Mariana and Metztli entered the kitchen, where the women noticed them. Metztli smiled and greeted them all, receiving stares in return.

Mariana broke the silence by introducing Metztli and saying that she is the Mission's new herbalist. Some women welcomed her while others were cautious. Outside the kitchen, Valentina announced that she would wait for them outside the room where she and Metztli were to sleep. Mariana decided not to argue, allowing her daughter's wish.

Afterward, Metztli was taken to the small gardens, where she was introduced to many other men and women. Many gardeners nodded, greeted, and welcomed her.

Mariana eventually decided to take her and Valentina to their room. "You two are lucky that you have a room for yourselves. Usually, more than ten women sleep in the same room."

Metztli gulped and realized that she was somewhat lucky a have a roommate. Valentina looked like a strong-willed person, but Metztli hoped they would get along somewhat. They arrived at the room where Valentina stood, waiting outside. Mariana stopped at the door at the end of the path and looked at the young women. "Now, I don't want either of you to argue or create a fuss. Bishop Victoriano was kind enough to have a room just for the two of you. Your actions also reflect on the Bishop. Am I understood?"

"Yes."

Valentina was silent, but with her mother's single glare, she relented, "Quena, Nonantzin (Yes, my mother).

"Good." Mariana opened the door and motioned them inside. Inside, there were two wooden beds with mattresses and pillows made of hay bags. A small square wooden table and wooden chairs, along with a simple jug and cups, were located on the right side of the room. A wooden cross hung on the wall, and two wooden cabinets stood. A simple mirror stood. "Get rest, for tonight, everyone will feast together. I shall come back later."

The door was closed; Metztli and Valentina stood beside each other, neither saying a word. Valentina walked toward the bed on the left side of the room, near a window. She sat upon it and looked down at the floor.

Metztli walked toward the free bed on the right side of the room. She put her bag on the bed and then sat on it. "So, uh, thank you for sharing this room with me."

Valentina still looked down at the floor. "I didn't have a choice. Nonantzin would have been upset."

"Nonantzin? Is that a nickname?"