Neophyte

Travels

It was dawn, and the crickets chirped, but only parts of the Mission were awake. Mariana awoke her children and Metztli, and they were told to get their packed belongings to put them on the wooden cart that Esteban and his other men had gotten for them. Metztli was surprised that Esteban would be going with them. 

Though it brought her comfort that someone they knew and trusted would be going with them. Once outside, she was surprised to see Bishop Victoriano standing beside the wooden cart, who watched Esteban and others assisting with some materials. "Bishop Victoriano, you're up early."

"Indeed, I wanted to see you all off. Since you all are under my care, it would be appropriate since you all will be gone for a week." 

"That's nice of you, Bishop. It may cause you a lot of risk if you care too much."

"It matters not, young one. There will always be disagreements among the Bishops and my other brothers, but there will always be a form of understanding. I want ensure that you all go on safely."

Metztli couldn't help but remember her father, who was ill. "You know, you remind me a lot of my Papa. You have his spirit." She noticed Bishop Victoriano raise an eyebrow and noticed his slight blush; he looked away slightly. Her father would always look away whenever he felt embarrassed.

"Her words seem to affect you, Bishop." The duo noticed Mariana putting in a couple of bags in the wooden cart. "You have always been the soft heart when it comes to kind words."

Bishop felt his blush subside, and when he turned back, he saw Guillermo and Valentina adding other materials to the wooden cart. "I imagine you both are excited to be outside of the Mission."

"Yes and no, Bishop. I do enjoy the responsibility to help around, but it is nice to get away from everything once in a while."

"Now, Guillermo. I will entrust you with the responsibility of protecting your mother and sister. Also, ensure that the people of Jachivit get the materials I am giving to them." Bishop Victoriano noticed Valentina looking into the cart curiously. 

She saw some slightly opened bags that contained bread, beans, seeds, and blankets. Valentina glanced at the Bishop, who smiled at her but walked away to get other materials; the Bishop's eyes softened.

Metztli couldn't help but notice. "Mariana always told me that the Bishop helped raise Guillermo and Valentina when left alone. It's sad that Valentina refuses to at least be thankful." Suddenly, she saw Toypurina walk toward the group with a couple of small boxes in her hand. "C-Cualli tlanecic, Toypurina (Good morning, Toypurina)!" The young woman wanted to practice her language skills.

"Cualli tlanecic, Metztli. Cualli, cualli (good, good)." Toypurina noticed the many bags and boxes and knew that the Bishop wanted to send gifts to the villagers. "I must thank you, Bishop. All this wasn't necessary."

"Please, it is the least I can do. Please give your brother my regards."

"I will. My brother will also appreciate the gifts that you are giving to our people; we are in high need." Toypurina noticed Esteban and Manuel walking toward them. 

"Buenos dias a todos (Good morning to everyone)," said Esteban.

"Buenos dias, Esteban," Metztli beamed with excitement. "I'm happy you're coming with us!"

Esteban smiled, but the tips of his ears grew warm. "I am happy to come along. It does get tiring to always keep guard in the same place for a long time. It would do everyone good. Oh, you have never met my friend." He motioned for Manuel to walk forward. "Metztli, este is mi amigo Manuel Montero. Manuel, ella es Metztli (Metztli, this is my friend, Manuel Montero. Manuel, she is Metztli)."

The two looked at one another; Metztli motioned with her hand. Manuel gently held her hand, kissed it, and then let her go. "Es un placer conocerte. He estado escuchando muchas cosas sobre ti. Ahora veo que hay muchas razones para hacerlo (It is nice to meet you. I have been hearing many things about you. Now I see there are many reasons to)."

"Un placer (A pleasure)." She then noticed Manuel looking at Toypurina, and she did the same. No one spoke as they watched the two looking at one another in silence. 

"Buenos dias, Toypurina. Espero que estés bien (Good morning, Toypurina. I hope you're doing well)."

Toypurina nodded as she softly smiled. "Si, muy bien. Gracias. Bueno, ya casi todo esta listo. Mas necesitamos agua y nos podemos it (Yes, I am good. Thank you. Well, everything is almost ready. We just need water and we can go on our way)." She walked away, and everyone else watched. 

Manuel watched as Toypurina walked into the kitchen; his eyes never left her. Esteban cleared his throat, making the Soldado flinch. "Huh?"

"Manuel, por favor, informe a los hombres que es hora de irse (Manuel, please, inform the men that it is time to go)."

The Soldado noticed that everyone looked at him, embarrassed, and he walked away to follow orders. The men chuckled. "Young love," said Bishop Victoriano.

"So, Manuel likes Toypurina? That's adorable! Although, I wonder if Toypurina holds the same sentiment," Metztli said with curiosity. 

Esteban shrugged his shoulders. "Toypurina can be challenging to understand. She hides her emotions very well. I believe she knows what Manuel feels for her. Anyway, it is time for us to go so we have to get prepared."

Metztli nodded; she and the Bishop looked at one another and nodded.

The Bishop stood still as he watched Metztli, Mariana, Guillermo, Toypurina, and Valentina get on the wooden cart. Esteban and his men got on their horses. Manuel sat in the front of the wooden cart and commanded the horses to move forward. He waved everyone farewell as everyone went through the Mission's doors. Metztli, Mariana, and Guillermo waved back. "Don't worry Bishop! I will bring you back something!" yelled Metztli.

Bishop Victoriano chuckled as he watched everyone leave farther and farther away. He prayed to God that they would have a safe journey.