Talibah - The Egyptian
Chapter 7 - Page 1
Caretaking

As they really needed a rest, both Kevyn and Taliesin agreed that they all would be better off if they stayed at the cave they had come to for a few days to do just that. A small, fairly warm lake was found near by where they took turns to bathe and wash their clothes out. It felt good to take a little time out, for though Talibah enjoyed meeting so many new faces, she realized she had had very little time to really think and contemplate. Even the couple times they had not gone to a village, but slept in a cave, it was only for the night as they moved on the next day. Though it had seemed casual and unrushed enough at the time, coming to a true rest made them all realize that they needed the release. Even Taliesin showed signs of being less pensive and observant the next day, laughing more freely with the Runners and their antics. The scenery was beautiful with mountains so near so that later that first afternoon after having just finished bathing, Talibah found herself sitting beneath a great old oak just letting the time pass by as she lightly dozed. After a time Taliesin came out to sit by her startling her a little, “I'm sorry... I didn't mean to wake you up... I just thought since everyone else has gone off to do other things it might be nice to take out some time with you... Beautiful here, isn't it?”

“Yes...” smiled Talibah, “Yes, it is. Everything I've seen in Cymru has been beautiful, I think. So many mountains! So very, very different from my homeland... but beautiful.”

Settling down beside her, Taliesin asked, “So what do you think, so far?... The Bardic life... The road?”

“I did not know I was so tired,” she laughed, “Until we truly stopped.”

Chuckling back, Taliesin looked off at the mountains, “Yes, it's important for a Bard to learn how to pace him or herself... It's nice to stay where you'll get shelter and fed, but of course, they also expect something in return... And usually a Bard does not travel in so much company. Sometimes they don't even have any Runners with them. Though Bards and Runners usually have horses for speed and expedience... I've known lone Bards to go on foot to deliberately slow their pace and get to know the countryside... It's all a matter of pacing... Knowing what you can handle... What you wish to experience and create...”

“Do Runners ever travel by themselves... Or are they always attached to a Bard?”

“Depends greatly on their age and ability... Sometimes for a space they can be on their own... If a message needs be sent out quickly and their memory is well honed... Actually, they are the ones who usually go out with messages. Sometimes the 'experience' of being on their own is good, especially when they are nearing the end of their time as Runners. They can do some minor healing and ritual if deemed ready... But messages... The term 'Runners'... One of the reasons we call them that is reference to the fact that they 'run' messages... 'One' of the reasons... I'm sure you've noticed others... Besides, they're the young ones... Running all over all the time, anyway.” He smiled widely.

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