Roba X - The Ancient Oak

[Lydia Hildebrandt aka Kenning Stone]

FOR THE FULL STORY AND ALL THE ART CARDS FOR ROBA SEE MY KENNING STONE BLOG The house did not reappear, but Roba was still a little shaken by the experience. She did not know how much time she had lost fussing with the house and napping…she really did not want to spend the night in the woods. Roba continued to stumble through the stream or thick bushes searching for a path she might follow. After what seemed like hours, Roba started to hear thunder, the wind picked up and got cooler. She immediately searched for protection. It was Anois who found a huge ancient oak with huge knurled roots - she curled up deep into the roots and Anois bedded down in front of the opening just before it began to rain - hard. Roba was frightened and worried, but she was also dry and safe for now….so again she fell asleep in her little den. She had a dreamed that the Oak was speaking to her: “Live easily on the Earth. We will keep you safe and comfortable. You should not worry or be confused - if you are confused - we are confused and cannot help you then.” Roba woke up shortly after the rain ceased feeling confident that she would be alright even though she would certainly not reach the bridge before dark. As she and Anois continued their walking, Roba thanked the pony for finding the oak and protecting her from the wind. After walking for some time Anois suddenly turned off to his left and came to a small clearing of lovely green grass which he ate for his supper. Roba realized now that she too was hungry. She noticed too how easily Anois was able to find food. She thought of Baba Yaga and how Baba thought of everything as her friend. These thoughts lead Roba to recall how her dreams had been speaking to her - perhaps if she could have another dream she would be able to find a path, or some food, but as she had just had a nap she was really not tired enough to sleep again just yet. She also remembered that the oak had told her not to worry or be confused. She did not know what to do so she mearly sat down on a fallen log and looked about her. She saw that the sky was now clear and sunny and so she said: “I love the blue sky and the warm sunshine”. She looked at Anois and remembered how helpful he had been: “I love you Anois”. Roba smiled….this was fun. She thought of the oak tree that kept her dry and she thought of Baba Yaga’s kindness: “I love you Oak Tree, I love you Baba Yaga”. Roba sat still, listened and watched the forest, after the thunderstorm everything was really quite peaceful. As she turned her head there was suddenly a young cat in front of her. This was a surprise, she had not seen where the cat had come from. How had a cat found it’s way out here? The cat stared at Roba and meowed. Roba got off of the log and went to pick up the kitten, but it turned and leaped through the brush. Roba followed the cat, who lead her away from the river for quite some time before stopping in front of a small tree full of ripe sweet nuts. Roba smiled and thanked the cat: “I love you little tabby cat”. As she walked around the tree plucking and eating the nuts she also noticed berries growing close to the earth - they were ripe and sweet - just what she’d needed: “Thank you beautiful Earth for this bounty”. Roba was lost but she felt wonderful. Ok…that is very long…so we’ll have to stop and leave Roba in her lostness for now.