The Gift
Richard's Storyline, Chapter 8.2
copyright comidacomida 2019
My heart suddenly started pounding as I stood and followed after, Jack just one step behind me. I opened the door, walking out before closing it; by that point Balam was already nimbly climbing the ladder. I was much slower about it, and Jack, having given several powerful flaps of his wings, alighted on the roof next to me. Although it was already obvious I announced regardless "Okay... we're here."
Balam nodded, turning away from me as he rose his head, gazing at the cloudy sky. I felt an expectant tingling that flowed through me like a shiver and the tips of my fingers and toes felt like I was touching a 9 volt battery with my tongue. The Jaguar raised his arms and slowly spread them wide and I stood there dumbfounded, staring as the clouds actually parted, revealing the full moon in all its glory.
Turning back around to look at me, his critical eye struck me with his expectation. "Ricardo... how do we begin?"
I smiled with confidence. "We start with a prayer."
His eyes glinted in the starlight, his back facing the moon as he leveled his gaze at me. "And what prayer is that?"
Although I was fairly sure I had it right my answer wasn't quite as confident as the first time. "The... Prayer to the Seven Directions, I believe."
The Jaguar nodded. "Correct... but the prayer will be different this time."
Having spent so much time learning about the prayer how it had always been I felt a little downcast that it was being changed up on me, but I kept silent. Jack, however, had no trouble asking questions. He addressed Balam in halting Spanish. "We have clothes, or no?"
It was a perfectly valid question, and I realized readily enough that he'd asked for my benefit; I could only imagine what my neighborhood would think if rumors started circulating about 'Crazy Richard Ford' who stands on his roof naked calling to the moon. My eyes went back to the Jaguar, awaiting an answer. He was courteous enough to offer an answer in English. "Clothes now, yes."
I sought clarity by asking him in Spanish. "But not later?"
He nodded, returning to Spanish as well. "Do not worry, Ricardo... the people of this city will not think you are crazy."
There was something humorous, but also somehow sobering to hear Balam say 'loco', the Spanish word for 'crazy'. At the same time, though, it felt suitable considering the situation. After all, if I'd found myself up on the roof about to try my hand at an ancient Mayan ritual to celebrate the moon before I met the Spirits accompanying me I seriously would have suggested I visit a mental health specialist. Considering the situation, I didn't bother offering that thought aloud. "... okay."
I stood patiently, waiting as Balam turned his back to Jack and myself, facing the moon. He raised his arms, the spots on his fur gleaming brightly, almost in contrast to the fact that they were jet black. I saw the numerous ritual marks painted across his back, marveling that he'd have been able to do them with such precision himself, and continued staring at them as they began to glow with the same surreal radiance as his spots... and everything started to spin.
It wasn't vertigo exactly, but it felt as though the entire roof had shifted beneath my feet and I had to look away from the Jaguar in order to get my bearings... and that was when I realized why I was in such a daze: I was no longer standing on my roof. Slowly rotating in a complete circle, I saw that I was standing atop a large stone monument, almost reminiscent of a pyramid of sorts. Jungle spread out beneath me in all directions and a clear sky painted full of diamond-like stars and the Moon as an enormous disc of finely polished silver. The changes didn't end there.
My gaze landed on Jack, who looked as magnificent as ever, but far different than I'd expected. The Gryphon was covered in wooden and cloth armor, far more Mesoamerican than European. He held a spear in one talon and the other rested on the beaded belt holding up a rich-colored green, ankle-length loincloth which was draped over a bright blue waist wrap. His shoulders were adorned with a thin cape of rich red, which draped down his back between his wings and he had a collection of golden strands and semi precious beads encircling his neck, much like Balam wore all the time.
Thinking about the Jaguar made me reflexively look back to him, and I saw that he had turned around once again to face us; the Moon hung low in the sky, positioned perfectly to look as though it were balancing on his head. Balam wore clothing similar to how he'd always presented himself, though I could tell there were some distinct differences; the feathers in his headdress were enormous and, if I wasn't mistaken, almost looked as though they were from a peacock. His jewelry was brightly shined, and he had an extra set of anklets and bracelets.
Although I could tell there was approval in his voice, his expression didn't change in the least as he spoke in his native language, which I heard and understood clearly. "You are well suited to your station, Ricardo."
Off to the side, Jack just continued staring at me, saying nothing aside from "...wow."
Only then did I look down at myself, realizing that I was also dressed in what must have been Mayan finery. I had a waist wrapping similar to Jack's, but mine looked like it must have been a lot finer; it certainly felt as nice as anything I could remember wearing. Over it, like Balam, I had a second waist wrap of a different color and embroidered with semi-precious beads. It was only when I looked that I realized my chest was bare.
I hadn't noticed I didn't have a shirt on mostly because of the fine cloak wrapped around me but, as I moved, the collection of necklaces draped around my neck chimed and clacked as the precious metals and numerous beads worked against one another almost like a wind chime. I was so focused on the jewelry it too a moment for me to notice what the cloak was made of. "Is this... jaguar fur?"
Balam finally smiled as he nodded. "It is. The skin of a Jaguar was the sign of great pride and honor among the Mayan people... as are the quetzal feathers of your headdress and the mask you wear."
Having not even realized I wore a mask, I reached up an encountered something covering my mouth; it took only a second to realize that it was a finely crafted beak. I managed to avoid laughing when I realized that, despite being so very Mayan, I was adorned with cat and bird parts, making me just a little more Jack-like at the same time. There was no hesitation in speaking my mind. "This is... amazing."
Jack agreed immediately. "I am amazed and humbled... I had no idea thou knowest a Charm to bring a Human into a Spiritscape."
Balam nodded solemnly. "Although I can use it with any mortal, it only works to its fullest on a Seer."
Still stunned at my surroundings and barely following the conversation, I questioned "This is the Spiritscape? Where's... everything else?"
The Jaguar approached and rested a paw on my naked shoulder next to my cloak; I could feel the sandpapery texture of his paw and the faint pricks of his half-unsheathed claws at the ends of his fingers as he spoke calmly "Everything is where it has always been, Ricardo... as are you... but you are also here. When the ritual is complete, we will return to your home and all will be as you left it."
I--
So, as "amazing" as everything is, and with all the questions Richard likely has, let's take a "lesson learned" and stay focused on the ritual. Balam seems to indicate that everything will be as it was after the ritual, so let's "keep moving forward" as Walt Disney would declare with (D) showing Richard's head is in the game and he won't be distracted. I believe Balam would appreciate that most of all.
BTW, (A) was tempting, but it didn't seem to move things along, and while I'm sure Richard can continue to feel this sense of awe and amazement, he has learned to focus and avoid stalling. I'd hate for Balam to wrap things up without finishing again.
b) -- couldn't pull my gaze from the surreal surroundings. "So... the Spiritscape... what IS this place?"
c) -- touched my arm, chest, and face, and then the clothing I wore. "Am I made of Spirit essence now too, or what?"
d) -- forced my focus back to the task on hand, promising I'd quiz both of my Spirits later about the strange Spiritscape. "Okay... so... ritual..."
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Voting is now open and will close as of midnight (pst) on Thursday, January 10th.
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D... Let's get this done right. No more diversions
A ritual needs doing...he'll have all the time later to ask questions. Bonding needs to happen, and then I think conversation will be easier between everybody. THEN questions.
-TGU.
D please!