A New Old Friend

Raja wandered the land alone.

It was early--the best time to see the trees. It's still relatively cool at that hour; humidity hangs in the air like a thin silver veil instead of an oppressive iron weight. The rabbits linger longer in the morning, the birds sing sweeter, the bugs don't bother you as much.

But he wasn't alone.

From behind one of the pruned cashew trees a woman emerged, slowly, gracefully, silently. Raja greeted her with caution. "Are you lost?"

"No," she muttered mysteriously. "I came here."

Ok. "Do you need some water? Something?"

"Who are you?" she asked.

"Who are you?" he answered.

"Why do you need to know who I am?"

"Because," Raja replied, trying to keep his patience with the elder lady, "I am taking care of the land."

"Oh? And who are you?" Her voice wasn't harsh nor kind.

Our Warrior of the Woods sighed. Why play this game? "I am Raja. Martanda asked me to watch the land while he is in Canada."

"Ah, Martanda," she responded. "I want a jackfruit."

"Who are you?"

She too became tired of these silly questions. "I planted that jackfruit tree, and I want to sample its fruits." She is the mother of the first Lord of the Land.

Raja smiled, filled with joy. There's something special about Lumière that draws people in, lures people back. You reap the land with your hands and heart, and you want to see what magic your seedlings produce. "I am sorry, Madame," he said softly, sending her all the warmth of his heart. "The jackfruits are not yet ready. Please, please come back soon and we will share many with you."

She smiled. "Don't worry, I will."

We all come back some day.