"There is no greater calling in life than to bring the light of the divine to the lovely creatures that the great white wolf has blessed." The dark-haired woman nodded, "It just takes time. Laina and I have been taught these things since the day we were born. Both of us were raised within the kingdom of the Great White Wolf. We've had a couple of decades to learn and absorb it all."
Aella's lips lifted into a soft, caring and loving smile as she looked at the redhead. "You're a bright young woman, and I've little doubt that you could quickly catch up with personal lessons. I'm not sure that Laina has the time right now to do it all herself. So, I'm sure I could take over a significant amount of the lessons you'd need to know." Aella then shook her head realizing how formal that all sounded. "It's not dull and endless lectures. We have ceremonies and events that are the foundation of what we know to be true. There are stepping stones with each level of knowledge and of course being gifted with the divine power of the Wolf, what most call the Force, there are special sacred ceremonies for you. It's not boring, none of it."
"She's right. We've heard of what it's like to learn under the Jedi, and frankly, it sounds so dull and lifeless. Part of how we teach is through the natural world, through hunting, foraging, learning what the lifeblood of the forest is, and how each one plays an integral role in our lives. It also compares such things to the challenges and hardships that we face every day. It helps to prepare you for just about anything the Blackened Wolf could dare throw at you in this galaxy, in this life." Laina said as she joined in the conversation. She then reached out and took the bowl from Elpsis, and took a long whiff of the of the salty, savory soup. The scent of onions and soybeans, as well as other delightful spices, tickled her nose. And Laina for her part sank into her chair, looking content and joyful. "This smells so delicious, Elpsis my dear, thank you."
Aella just had to jump back into the conversation, "And I can promise it's not anything like the Jedi, trying to shove you, a square peg, into a round whole. There is much freedom in these lessons and the doctrine of the Great White Wolf." The Amazon gently rocked Morrigan in her arms, rubbing the girl's back soothingly. She slowed her movements to allow Elpsis to stroke the tiny girl's head. "In this, we also teach you how to raise a daughter in the faith. How to take care of them, sense their every need, and offer them the host of your knowledge to help the young girl join her sisters as is only proper. Raising daughters, expanding the tribe and leaving behind a legacy is just as important as any other part of our faith."
Laina finally settled in with the soup, taking a few spoonfuls before taking a bite of the bread. "Oh, my Elpsis, this is my favorite soup. How did you know?" She asked as she eagerly ate the hearty and delicious soup. "I can say this for certain, the tribe needs more women like you who truly know how to cook. That way no generation will have to go without such pleasures of food like this." The older Amazon said with a bright smile on her face.
Laina's thoughts wandered back to what Aella had said about her not having the time. "Also, Aella is correct; I don't have as much time as I ordinarily would with Morrigan now. I'm afraid I wouldn't have enough time to dedicate to teaching you every last lesson myself, much less take you on the hunts and perform all the rituals with you. Aella and I could do it together if you are okay with that idea. Or, if you want Aella is more than capable of teaching everything you need to know."
Aella lifted a brow and glanced back to her tribal sister, seeming to question Laina. She certainly didn't feel ready to teach a younger sister all the knowledge they would need from the Great White Wolf. "I mean, I can." She quickly said before Laina could jump in and ask what the look was about. "I've just never taken a novice before now."
Laina seemed a little surprised, "I assume you were supposed to gain one after your loyalty was tested and you all returned to the tribe with Morrigan."
Aella's lips twisted into a frown, and she sighed, "Yeah, that was the plan. The Matriarch just had no clue where my true loyalties were."
Laina nodded, "It's alright. You don't have to feel sorry for what happened. I'm grateful for what both you and Elpsis did to help keep both Morrigan and me safe." She had almost finished with her bread at this point, apparently quite hungry.
Hearing what Elpsis last said, Laina giggled, "I imagine she underestimated me a good deal." A wink followed to her tribal sister, "She usually does when she speaks of the pleasures of the flesh. You know Elpsis, you're always welcome to test out what Aella said We'll see just how far you get before collapsing with exhaustion." A challenge, yes ... Laina had most certainly issued one for the redhead, should she dare to take Laina on.
[member="Elpsis Elaris"]
