Standing in the cool, dim cave mouth, the sounds of the party behind them fed the unwillingness Cara felt to venture deeper into the earthy tomb. Over and over the hoarse whisper spoke gently to her mind, “Cara, you have been missed, come – I have waited long.”

Dripping water echoed through this dimly lit tomb, the floor of which shone its warning of a slippery surface; a warning not to take any step for granted. Cool air, but evidence of sweat on the body soaked through the clothes of every one who journeyed through the damp earthy, stale atmosphere. Glistening towers of rock seemed to jut up from the cave floor and as Cara strained to see the tops of each great tower she noticed as the light moved and swayed in the dark, thousands of small finger think pipes of stone that hung from the ceiling.

“Did you bring it with you dear?” The voice from inside spoke lovingly as a parent to a daughter but Cara could not know what to make of it all. Familiar… so very familiar.

“I wonder?” she thought, “Hello?”

She felt so silly, thinking to someone but she couldn’t help try. It occurred to her that it might be possible to talk to her new friend from inside her mind just as he could talk to her inside her mind.

“Hello”, the answer came back quickly and carried a smile with it and though the smile was unseen by her eyes she knew the face, who ever it was - shone the smile beautifully.

“Oh, it really is this simple to talk to you?” she asked.

“Only if you will it, our communication is your decision to make” he answered.

“I have been here before?” Cara couldn’t know of this place or the sound of his voice yet, so familiar. It was a question she wanted so badly to ask her new friends ever since they’d met but didn’t have the courage; it felt wrong to ask then but now somehow found safety in asking the unseen.

“Yes” came the answer, “but let us talk later about such things, you should reach me on the morrow; later in the day. I see you understand how to commune with me now so I will leave you to your journey. You need to concentrate on each step of the way. I will leave you in peace; the way will become more challenging as you progress deeper; closer. Be safe dear Cara, as you make your way home to me.”

They washed themselves and groomed each others hair. Adorning their bodies with natural pearls and shiny stones strung together; the bright colours, unique and yet genuine natural beauty enhanced their beauty of youthfulness. The excitement brought a bright light to each of their smiling faces, and caused each girl to blush just that little bit. Eyes sparling with the expectation of the unknown, the honour of being groomed for such an event, the closer they became readied the more introspective each lass became.

Cara wanted so much to ask, but felt it an inappropriate thing to do. Didn’t know why she should feel this way, just knew that she did, so swallowing her questions and beating down her curiosity, she joined in with the others in their preparation for…she knew not what. There was a moment; one of the girls who had bent over to comb underneath her hair, stood upright flinging her hair back, and while shaking her head helping to settle the long shiny locks, recognition struck. Cara knew this girl…

A window opened before her, and as she gazed into a reflective like portal she watched herself as a very small child, perhaps 2 – 3 years of age, running and laughing with another young girl. In her memory she recalled a woman’s voice calling out to her friend, beckoning her… “Crystal, come to mamma, come to mamma baby girl”. As suddenly as the widow opened it slammed shut and it felt as though she were shoved, catapulted back into real time – the now.

She looked at the girl who had been introduced to her as Kaka and hoarsely whispered, “Crystal?” The reaction? It was as if a camera had been paused for a time during a movie, and it seemed that the girls didn’t even blink as they stared blankly at Cara. The pause was beginning to cause tension, wrapping around her chest constricting her breathing. A sickly sinking sensation pulled down inside and feeling the colour draining from her face, she ran out of the tent desperate for air. Uncontrollable shaking, shortness of breathe, perspiration and nausea over took the young girl and as she tried to control the violent reaction, she heard her name being called…

“Cara, it is time for you to journey into the deep. Come visit with me. I wait…”

Through out the night it had become increasingly warmer and Cara was certain the earth beneath her had rumbled and shaken. If ever there was an opportunity for fear to steal her heart away it was now but in fears stead a soothing calm embraced her and she relaxed under the stars. Memories of Terac flooded her waking dreams and as tears flowed they washed down her face reddening her eyes. She mourned. She had for so many years, dreamed of being his wife and bearing his children, but it is as it is, such dreams are too dangerous to keep in sight, so as the sky was beginning to brighten and the ground shook once again, she kissed him goodbye.

The day was breaking and the camp began to stir. What would this day bring? Still the calm rested upon her as a cloak draped across her shoulders; Cara was grateful for this none too small a mercy. The earth quaked yet again and all eyes were directed toward the cave’s gaping mouth. For the first time fear broke through the barrier of peace, electricity shot thorough her body and she took in a sharp breathe. It was then she brought back to life memories of Terac and imagined being held safe and warm in his arms.

Cara opened her eyes and her vision instantly filled with Adoria approaching, moving with such grace, even now dressed in simple pants and shirt, an air of ‘regal’ followed where ever she went and as she passed by, every person paid their respect as did Cara; a clumsy but genuine attempt. Adoria smiled and with her hands invited Cara to walk with her. As they walked silently together through the camp it occurred to Cara that Adoria had not spoken directly to her, she had spoken to everyone else but not to her. Casually letting her gaze fall on the beautiful woman Cara wondered if she was being paranoid; defiantly possible. Unthinking, Cara reached out and grasped Adoria’s arm when the next tremor took her by surprise and Adoria stopped walking, reached out and there they held each other until the earth ceased it’s quaking. Fear reached much higher levels within her mind now; Cara was frightened.

They reached a makeshift dining area; a huge area in the centre of which there was a table covered with food, and throughout the early morning the entire camp ate, and as they ate they openly talked and laughed. The sun was warm, the fare delicious and the company soothing and inside Cara a willing trust began to germinate confidence and yet still there nagged a sense that these people and surroundings were not strange but very familiar. The young girls were great company and the 6 of them giggled and chatted constantly, talking about all the things young girls/women talk about when there’s no need to think about what’s being said. Their conversation seemed filled with nothing of importance yet everything that matters. Each chattering at the same time while knowing and hearing what the other is saying and exactly what she means.

The ground shook, and silence covered the camp. In the silence people began to gather up the meal as Cara and her new friends were lead away to prepare them selves…

It was as though she had been away for a long time and the entire town, her family, had come to greet her on return. Strangely familiar, every face rang loudly with recognition. Around mid afternoon, they’d reached the outskirts of the town where open fields, green and lush, were divided by the road that had become a dirt track. The sea breeze wrapped around, cooling her, energizing and refreshing, and though still unaccustomed to the salty moist air, Cara found herself ever grateful for its gentle touch. As they walked, leaving the town behind, she could now see the full size of her party of escorts.

There were five young ladies about her age, always ready to offer her a smile and it seemed that every time she glanced their way, they offered assistance. Cara felt the shame of pride at being embarrassed, and vowed to try to receive their gift of service. She understood what it is to be in servitude and therefore knew it was not a work or a job but a gift in which one flows. Beside her all day, an older woman walked, directing the younger women and to whom the town’s people greeted with obvious affection and respect. When she walked she glided gracefully and the love that radiated through her for each citizen caused Cara to feel ill equipped, gangly and unrefined but strangely, being in the lady’s presence, Cara also found - courage.

There were eight men, and Cara guessed they might be middle aged. Half walked before the party and the other half behind. The men ahead were leading to the mountains that rose up out of the earth; great walls of rock jutting out touching the sky reminding her of the sentinels that guarded the plains people. For the first time, Cara felt a pang of sadness, but shaking it off and gathering in her emotions, continued on.

The way was steep and slippery but the young women helped Cara enjoy the trek toward the great dark cave. She had grown up on the plains, and the mountain track together with the moist heavy air was no easy task, but her friends were ever watchful and tender towards her so she dare not give up or even show any reluctance during the journey. As they approached the great gaping entrance in the mountain wall, the girls quietened, the mood became noticeably solemn and Cara began to feel anxious. The sun was setting and the day light began to fade. They reached a level part of the slope where the men began putting up tent like structures and the women prepared the evening meal.

It happened slowly, quietly at first and not until she lifted her eyes did she notice every person motionless with their full attention on the cave entrance. The sound though muffled, grated on the nerve and as it echoed through the cave. Her blood ran cold, courage drained - yet deep within she quietly recognized a new beginning for this little girl from the plains…