A Much-Too-Brief Moment With My Jida

A gasp escapes Selcis’ lips as she looks up into a face she never thought she would see again in this lifetime. She falls to her knees beside Enoch. He gets up slowly, and backs away to sit respectfully on a rock a few meters away. His heavy breathing from the exertion slows to normal, and he folds his hands loosely in his lap, his eyes closed.
 
“Hello little one,” Niran murmurs in Sahalian. Selcis blinks. Words utterly fail her. Niran laughs a tinkling laugh, much like that of her granddaughter. Free and sincere.
 
In Common, Niran goes on. “I can see you’re a bit surprised to see me! I don’t blame you. I’m a bit surprised myself. I hardly could have guessed that one such as this young gentleman would summon me back to this world. He has talent, that’s for sure. And handsome too!” She winks.
 
Selcis smiles, and takes a deep breath.
 
“I don’t really know what to say. I’m so glad to see you. I miss you, Jida.” Selcis stands up, gazing into the joyful face of her beloved grandmother. They look at each other for a few minutes, taking in the moment. Selcis’ smile fades as she remembers their mission.
 
“Jida, there is something going on here.” Niran holds up a scaled hand.
 
“Say no more, my child. What is happening here is an abomination. I do not wish to speak of it, only to give you some advice.” She smiles sadly. Selcis nods, and says, “I’m listening.”
 
“The powers at work here are darker and stronger than they appear. Please, proceed with great caution. I know that you are here to find a solution, but one cannot be found so easily. Selcis, my beloved. Do what you must, but keep close friends nearby, such as this Sobakkan. Be careful about who you call an ally, and do not underestimate anyone.”
 
Selcis stays silent, hanging onto every word spoken by her grandmother. She looks down at her hands, then back up into Niran’s now concerned face.
 
“Thank you, Jida. Do you know what the cause of the disturbance is? It appears to be more than just a mining operation. I’m confused, and angry.” Niran gives Selcis a comforting smile.
 
“I do not. I cannot sense everything as clearly as I once could. All I know is that you need to be careful. For your own sake, and that of our Tribe.” She pauses. “I need to go now. I have only a short amount of time on this plane. Thanks to this young man, I got to speak with you, and I am so grateful. My heart is overflowing. I love you, Selcis. When you see your mother again, tell her I am so proud of her for raising such a special young woman.” She starts to fade away into the dim twilight.
 
Selcis bows her head. A tear rolls down her cheek.
 
“I love you too.”