Tiger's Beginning

Chapter 2: Seeing double

The dream was so real, I swear that I could almost smell the musky dampness of the forest and feel the chilled air surrounding me. I looked down, and found myself barefoot, in my pajamas.

Great, my dream self didn’t think to wear real clothes? Now I am going to freeze, but in my dream, so it’s not really happening? Now I’m confused.

I was interrupted from my dilemma when I heard a rustle in the undergrowth to my right. I turned quickly, and looked on the ground to see if I could find anything to defend myself with. A rock caught my eye, and I picked it up, trying to hold it in an intimidating way. The rustling got closer, and soon enough from the trees emerged a girl. She was Indian, no older than 16, and had long dark hair which was braided with flowers.She had a strong stance, like she had expirienced much hardship but it had only helped her stand taller. The girl was wearing a beautifully embroidered light purple sari that connected to a veil that covered most of her face. She was lovely in every way, but her eyes are what entranced me the most. They were a striking violet color, and almost didn’t seem real. Watching her cautiously, I shifted the rock in my hand ever so slightly. Her eyes shot to my hand, and I saw her mouth turn up slightly, amused. She flicked her wrist, and the rock went flying behind me. My eyes widened in surprise, and I held my hands up in surrender saying,

“Look I don’t know who you are, but I don’t mean any harm. Please-“

“You do not have to be afraid of me. I have just come to talk.”

Her voice sounded much older than she was; it was a little unnerving. I nodded slowly, and watched her as she sat down on a wooden stool a foot off of the dark forest soil.. I frowned slightly, but followed her and sat on the stool next to her when she motioned me over.

Why can’t I make things appear in my dreams? Maybe I can, I just haven’t tired. Ok, I wish for…..a jacket, but not any jacket, my favorite gray sweatshirt.

I immediately felt warmth around my upper body and was delighted to see myself in the gray sweatshirt with the WOU logo on it. I smiled to myself, and made a note to do this in the future if I ever happened to return to this forest. I then realized that the girl was saying something and focused on her. She sat very properly with perfect posture and her feet positioned perfectly. The way she carried herself reminded me of royalty, and I wondered if she was. She then spoke.

“You are probably wondering why I have come.”

Well yeah that, and a million other questions. I decided not to answer in that way, so I replied simply.

“Yes, I am.”

She shifted her body slightly so she was facing me and smoothed down her sari. I noticed when her skirts pulled up that her delicate feet were covered in detailed henna tattoos, and on her ankle was a gold anklet that had miniature bells attached.

“I have come to warn you.”

I looked at her curiously, but waited for her to continue.

“You must not let history repeat itself. As of now, there are….things in motion which could upset the balance that was so dutifully fought for. You must be the one to aid the Rajaram family in their quest to cleanse their homeland from evil.”

“Rajaram? Do you mean the crown prince? The brother of the prince, I think his name was Kishan, he told me about the family.”

Her eyes got a fare away look and her mouth hardened into a thin line.

“Ahh….yes….Kishan…I will always regret those terrible decisions I made. If not for me, none of this would be happening. If only I had been stronger. If only I had been able to stand up to him.”