This Tale of the Navel: The Shadow Forest story was the result. I posted Part 2 last Wednesday. Now here is Part 2...
“Maybe that’s enough.” Map lowered her head. Her shoulders drooped, the tension leaving her in a defeated slump.
“No, I can keep drinking.” Danyel couldn’t disappoint her. He willed himself to stop wheezing, ready to lift the cup once more…
…only to have it snatched from his hands.
“What are you doing?” Danyel stared at his twin, who now held the mug in his hands.
Tayel ignored him. He took a huge swig, only to start coughing, dropping the cup…
…which was caught by a slim, pale hand.
“Leiwell.” Danyel blinked at his oldest brother. He hadn’t even heard him enter the room.
“It’s not wise to drink too much cider if your body isn’t used to it.” Leiwell shot a stern glance at their mother, even though his voice was soft and gentle. “You shouldn’t rush eating and drinking. It’s not good for you.”
Leiwell lifted the cup to his lips and quaffed the same amount Tayel had without coughing. “I can swallow this much, but I couldn’t at your age.”
“I didn’t mean to rush them.” Map let out a sigh, the wrinkles returning to her brow. “I just want all three of you to be as part of this world.” She shuffled toward the window to look out at the garden. “Eating and drinking are vital in anchoring you to this time and place.”
Danyel dropped his head, unable to look at her. It was bad enough hearing the heartache in her voice.
He’d failed. He’d failed as Map’s son. He couldn’t drink, not like a real boy could.
“We’re here, aren’t we?” Lewiell’s gentle tone softened the shame, parting the disappointment thick in the air. “We can’t eat or drink very much. Not at first. Not for a while.” Map’s oldest son moved closer to their mother. “The longer we’re in your world, the more we’ll be able to. Just give us time.” Leiwell glanced down at the mug in his hands. “I couldn’t eat or drink much when I first came to live with you.” He raised the vessel to his lips and took another hearty swallow. “Look at me now.”
Danyel, Tayel, and Map all watched, holding their breath while Leiwell drained half the mug. Once more he lowered it without coughing.
“You see?” He smiled at this brothers. “Just give yourself time. Go at your own pace, eating and drinking a little at a time.” He winked at Danyel.
How did Leiwell do it? Just a few words and a smile and everything was all right. Or it felt like it was going to be.
Danyel hoped he would be like his oldest brother one day. Confident. Able to truly drink cider. Capable of reassuring others they could do the same. It was like magic. A magic which could work on either side of the Door.
He just needed to learn how to do it.
Awww... They shouldn't feel shame.
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