Neophyte

Esteban Morales

Metztli sat by one of the bonfires as she watched everything being prepared; she offered to help. Mariana wouldn't allow it since she was one of her honored guests. The older woman also mentioned wanting Metztli to have one moment of freedom before beginning her duty. It made her nervous, but she tried not to overthink the situation. 

"May I sit beside you?" Esteban stood close to her but kept his distance to keep her comfortable.

"Um, sure. I hope Mariana would be okay with that."

Esteban smiled as he slowly sat beside her. "I'm certain she will. I always sit beside her whenever she invites me to her people's gatherings."

 Metztli looked at him curiously and couldn't help but notice the type of uniform he wore. The uniform consisted of a short jacket of blue woolen cloth with small red cuffs and a red collar, and the breeches were blue. Esteban also wore a cloth cap of the same color, a black neckerchief, a hat with a red band, shoes, and leggings. The uniform was familiar to her, and she realized what he was. "Your uniform. Are you a Soldado de Cuera?"

"Yes, I am." Esteban looked slightly off when admitting his position.

Soldados de Cuera (leather jacket soldiers) were known to be guards of the Missions of California. Metztli learned in history class that the soldados (soldiers) fought against hostile Indians but also worked as guards for merchants and travelers. "Wow, I find it amazing that I'm speaking to a soldado de cuera!"

"You never seen any of us before?" asked Esteban, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I'm new here and have been traveling here and there. I try not to capture any attention since I tend to be...cautious."

Esteban chuckled as he looked at her. "So you are a traveler, interesting. It is not common for a woman to travel unattended. It is dangerous. Still, I must admit that I admire your courage to do so. What I find curious is why you decided to come here out of all places."

Metztli looked at the fire and enjoyed its warmth. "Well, story short, I just want to help since I am an herbalist. Bishop Victoriano was kind to give me a position here."

"Buenas noches a todos." Metztli and Esteban flinched and turned to see who called out behind them. "Lo siento pro venir tarde (Sorry for coming late)." Guillermo arrived holding two wooden baskets of bread. 

Mariana, who assisted the women in cutting cattle meat, noticed her son and smiled. "Guillermo, hijo mio." She then went to her son and hugged him. "Nos trajiste pan (You brought us bread)."

"Sí, madre. Le pedí permiso al obispo Victoriano para traer algunos para la reunión de esta noche. Quiero que tengamos la barriga llena (Yes, mother. I asked Bishop Victoriano if I could bring some for tonight's gathering. I want our bellies full)." Guillermo put the baskets down, and many guests went to him to get a piece of bread. A couple of breads were left, and Guillermo went to Valentina and Toypurina, motioning them some bread. Toypurina thanked him and got the bread; Valentina looked reluctant. Mariana glared at her daughter, and the young woman reluctantly got the bread. Guillermo then noticed Metztli and Esteban and went to them. 

Esteban smiled as he stood. "Guillermo, how are you, my friend?"

"I am well, gracias a Dios (thanks be to God)." The men hugged each other quickly, and Guillermo gave Estaban bread. He then looked at Metztli, who slowly stood up. "Hello, Metztli. Would you like one?" 

Metztli felt her stomach grumble and noticed the fire barely put out the meat. "Yes, please." She was given a piece of bread, which tasted bland when she took her first bite. The urge to spit it out was strong, but the hunger was intense; Metztli swallowed. "What bread is this?"

"Wheat bread! I was late because I was making this for the gathering. It is not perfect, but it is better than nothing."

Esteban noticed Metztli's discomfort from eating the bread; he wanted to laugh but refrained from doing so. He took a bite from the bread since he was hungry; the bread didn't have flavor. "Agreed, my friend. Perhaps you should be careful with the dough."

"I am still practicing, Esteban." Guillermo focused on Metztli, who was taking small bites of the bread. "We didn't have the opportunity to speak more after our first meeting. I hope you weren't frightened on your first day in the Mission."

"Not at all. I am still new and need to get used to everything and everyone. I am just happy to be a help for everyone. So, um, what do you do here in the Mission?"

Guillermo put down the basket. "I'm an acolyte and assist in teaching children music. Sometimes I enjoy cooking but I am not that proficient yet."

Metztli smiled and couldn't help but feel that Guillermo had a good heart and intentions. "Just keep on practicing. I know your cooking skills will get better. I also find it great to see a man enjoy cooking. Many men believe it is more of a woman's job." 

Many of the guests eyed Metztli, some looking irked. Esteban noticed and cleared his throat, motioning for Guillermo and Metztli to sit. Esteban sat on Metztli's left side. "Be careful how you speak. Many people here take words to heart," he whispered.

The young noticed how many men looked irked by what she said. "Damn it. I have to remember that I'm no longer in my era. I thought people during my time were sensitive." The smell of cooked beef hit her nose; her mouth salivated. "Sorry, I will be careful next time."

Mariana and the other women began to cut the meat and serve it on plates. Many people sat in place while the plates of beef were served. The trio were given plates and said their thanks; they waited until everyone was seated. Mariana then stood and asked to hold each other's hands for prayer. 

Everyone did so except for Nicolas, Toypurina, and Valentina. Mariana didn't want to argue and began speaking a Spanish prayer. 

Nicolas whispered to the young women. "I heard our village is getting dire due to illness and lack of food."

Toypurina was silent as she watched and heard everyone pray. It saddened her to hear her people forgetting their language and traditions. A tear threatened to form, but she shook it off. "Yes, it is getting dire, but Bishop Victoriano hears my brother's plea for assistance. We have hope that things will change."

Valentina took a bite of her beef. "Don't always hold onto faith, Toypurina. Look what it did to our people."

Mariana finished the prayer and motioned everyone to eat. Nicolas couldn't stop looking at Metztli, who spoke with Guillermo and Esteban while they were eating her food. He couldn't help but believe that she was hiding something and that Metztli was destined to impact their people. "Let us wait and see what happens; I can help but feel that major events will occur."