The Protectors: New Generation Book 1

29 - Colors - Tallulah POV

I'm walking through the woods in autumn. The sun shines down and illuminates a clearing up ahead. When I get closer, I see a dog protecting a group of animals. In the group is a bear, a chipmunk, a lion, and a deer and its fawn.

A chirp comes from beside me, and I turn to see my white falcon perching on a maple tree branch. As I continue to walk, blue and purple fog envelops me. Thunder pulls me out of the fog...

My eyes crack open when I realize that maybe it is my alarm rather than thunder that wakes me. Through the curtains, a small sliver of light peaks through the woods behind the cabin. I jump out of bed realizing today is the first day learning about plants and crystals—something I actually have a little knowledge in. My studying of natural healing won't go to waste.

I hurry down for breakfast after throwing on the clothes I stacked on the dresser last night. I'll run out of Danny's shirts if I don't do laundry soon. Some people are missing, but most are yawning over their food.

The teens training to be Protectors gather around the dining table. The Elders have a table off to the side with boxes stacked next to it. Grandma and Mia are the ones to teach us today since EJ and Estel are working with the Guardians.

After the usual greetings, Mia begins the lessons.

Her voice is gentle yet firm. "Today, we are going to teach the basics of what most call witchcraft—we call it Mageia. It might be beneficial to put what you learn today in your grimoires, so I suggest you all go retrieve them."

Chairs can be heard shifting against the wood floor. Mia has a gentle nature, but I wouldn't want to upset her. It doesn't take long for us to return with our grimoires and pens.

"First, I'll talk about plants and then after lunch Miriam will talk about crystals. Tonight, we will go into spells. Are you ready?"

Most of us nod, and I notice that for the first time I've seen Mick doesn't shrug.

"Plants are good not only for the healing arts but also necessary for plenty of spellcasting. The first thing to learn is about the various plants that can be used. Take for instance Chamomile." It reminds me of a miniature daisy. "There are two types mainly used in herbal remedies. The Roman." She holds up one plant. "And the German." She holds up the other plant.

Ande tilts her head and squints her eyes. "It looks the same to me."

"It is very similar and used for the same purposes. The German chamomile has a more domed center that sits a little higher than the rounder center of the Roman chamomile," Mia explains.

"Will these be available for us to sketch later?" Ande asks. My thoughts exactly. I'm not going to put a rushed drawing of the chamomile, or any plant for that matter, in my grimoire.

Mia smiles. "Yes, sunneschii, you can sketch them whenever you want. We will keep some of the fresh specimens in water to prevent them from wilting for a few days."

Mia continues. "Now, this is something most of you have heard is made into tea. It helps sooth nerves and relaxes a person. It can also be used to treat digestive disorders like nausea and vomiting. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for skin conditions. It is an herb used in spells having to do with healing, luck and friendship."

Mia holds up a plant I recognize. It's leaves are green with a gray hue and have this texture like velvet or cotton when rubbed.

"Sage is not only used in cooking, but also in helping to cleanse a person or space and to promote healing and wisdom."

"That was used during the Unlocking Rituals, correct?" I ask.

Both Mia and Grandma nod, but Mia answers, "It was but it is not the only plant that is used in such a way. Cedar and sweetgrass are examples of other plants used in rituals and blessings."