Neophyte

Traditions

Metztli was inside a kizh where she learned that she would stay alongside Mariana and Valentina. It felt exciting to have the opportunity to experience what her ancestors did.

While sitting down and going through her bag, the thought of her ancestors came to her mind. "Hmm, I wonder if I have even met them? Were they part of this time of history?" she wondered. Valentina entered with a wooden chest. "Oh, did you need help?"

"No, everything was taken off the cart."

"Well, that's good. Where is Mariana?"

"She is helping the tribe's women prepare the meal. I told her that we could help, but she insisted that I rest with you. Let me prepare a fire."

Metztli looked confused but then noticed that there was a man-made fireplace in the center of the kizh. It was made of simple stones that made a circle; wood was also in the center. She watched as Valentina took a small but long wooden log and a thin stick. Valentina spun the smaller wooden stick with the bow on top of the wooden block until the smoke got stronger. She took out the wooden stick and gently blew on the smoke.

Sparks of fire were made until the fire grew larger and finally ignited.

Metztli was amazed.

"What? You've never seen a fire lit before?" Valentina asked while sitting by the fire.

"Huh? Oh, sorry about that. I was being thoughtful. Honestly, I'm excited to be here. It has been a while since I have been in a warm community."

Valentina raised an eyebrow. "Nonantzin said that the Bishop told her that you were a traveling herbalist. I haven't seen you do much healing during your stay at the Mission."

Metztli smiled, "Well, your mother has been giving me other responsibilities. I can't just disobey her. If I were allowed to help people, then I could show more of my skills. It's kind of been like that during my travels."

"I see. I assume you have seen the beauties of the Earth."

"Yeah, I've seen many beautiful places. Sometimes you see the ugly sides, too."

"The land is not ugly, it is what we do with the land that makes it so."

Metztli nodded. "I agree. What I should have said is that when one travels, one gets to see the harsh realities of humanity."

"Just like what happened to Anna Maria, it traumatized you. It would seem that you haven't seen the worst of cruelties."

It was true. Seeing Anna Maria give birth, being punished and killed for her newborn's death was traumatizing. It was something that she would never forget. Metztli hadn't truly seen the true cruelties of humanity, and she hoped not to do so again. "Yes/ You grew up with it, didn't you?"

"Quema (Yes). My family and I didn't react, but it wasn't new to us. It was something we were used to for many years. Although my family and I were allowed to live outside the Mission."

"Oh, you used to live outside the Mission?"

Valentina nodded. "My mother made my brother and me visit the Mission from time to time. Bishop Victoriano educated and protected us. The Bishop and my mother were friends forever, ever since our father died. I have seen so many of my people die due to the Padres. Although the Bishop and a few Padres have good hearts, it doesn't hide the fact that they do nothing to make a change."

Metztli's smile died down. She couldn't blame Valentina for feeling the way she did, but Metztli didn't feel comfortable with Bishop Victoriano doing so much for her and her family. "I can't blame you. They can't create change by themselves. I mean, you can't deny that you and your family are very fortunate to have some form of protection. You-"