Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Good," Foalen nodded decisively. "When ever you wish to begin tell me and we can start on learning the names of all the herbs and what their properties are. I won't lie to you. It's going to be a lot of work, but its always been a joy to me knowing that I can do something to help those around me, so I never minded the effort needed. Some how I don't think you will either."

"Perhaps I will travel some day." Ayita replied a little wistfully. "Though not for some time. My family needs me here for now."

Whisking her tail once more the mare continued more softly as if thinking aloud. "But the area around here seems to be some kind of nexus. A meeting place of spirits if you will. Many soquili and two leggers alike are drawn here. Stay here for any length of time and you will meet a whole host of strange and interesting soquili." Lifting her head to look at Sibalto once more she cautioned the stallion. "Some are not friendly however so take care. But then as traveled as you are you already know of the dangers I am sure."

"We might as well start now then. Make yourself comfortable we are going to be here a while." Foalen smiled as he reached around for his hand beautiful stitched leather pouch. From it he began withdrawing all manner of herbs, flowers and twigs saying the name of each as he set them down before Tashika to study.

Ayita shrugged. "Both light and darkness are necessary in the world, for it would be impossible to know one without the other. There are many shades of grey in between." Then she smiled. "I meant only to give warning. There are very few things in this world that are absolutes. One must be flexible of mind and spirit both if he or she wishes to see truly.

Having noticed Sibalto's scrutiny the painted mare tilted her head questioningly. "Is there something you would to ask me? You seem to be preoccupied about something. What is on your mind?"

Foalen spoke until his throat was dry and he was certain Tashika had heard enough to set her head spinning. Smiling he pulled out one last set of herbs and berries. The base of a common but tasty drink and held them before her. Seeing the recognition in Tashika's eyes he smiled. "Would you like me to make some of this? I know my throat would be glad of a break."

Aytia nodded her head clearly not surprised by the question. "I get that question a lot. Unfortunately it doesn't really have an easy answer as being an elder means something different to every soquili. But if I had to narrow it down, essentially an elder is one who has walked the path of life showing by their deeds and character that they are responsible, mature and have strong leadership qualities. The problem is that what makes a strong, responsible, mature leader cannot be defined into short list. The abilities and natures of elders vary widely. Even so there are a few notable qualities that do stand out. Age being one, there aren't any young elders as a soquili requires experience to gain the necessary attributes of an elder.

The painted mare lifted a hoof to rest it as she swished her long tail." Another quality almost all elders share is a strong spiritual connection to the world around them. Those who are oblivious to the spirits and do not head their words will not be blessed with greatest strengths and gifts of the spirits. Apart from those qualities what an elder is really depends on the elder in question. To become an elder a soquili must be willing to listen to the world around them and learn from the spirits. They must understand the burdens and responsibilities that come with being an elder along with the gifts. If a soquili can do that much then there is a very good chance that soquili might be blessed with elder status when the time is right."

"You are most welcome," Foalen replied as he began to gather the rest of what he would need to make a drink for them. "Though I have to say, I haven't ever really taught before. So I'll be learning right alongside of you. Be gentle with me if I make a mistake."

The painted mare tiled her head to the side her eyes glowing with humor. "A little overwhelming isn't it? That's why I said there wasn't an easy answer. But don't worry. If it is in your nature to seek knowlage and to better yourself for those around you as well as your own sake you are very likely already on the right path. And obviously since you asked the question, it is in your nature." Ayita laughed softly wisking her tail again. "You really only need to add maturity and time will do that if you keep your mind open and listen to what your heart tells you."

The shaman laughed at Tashika's response giving her an aknowledging nod. "Yes, you are gentle and what you say is quite true, already you sound like a wise woman, perhaps such a path has always been in your nature too."

Once the water was poured and the herbs for the drinks mixed Foalen set them to steep them over the fire before turning back to Tashika. "I have admit that helping others in whatever way I can has always been something I have desired to do. Though from my place it hasn't always seemed like teaching. Even so a person may not be trying to teach, But that doesn't mean those around that person aren't learning."

Ayita carefully considered Sibalto's question understanding the gravity of it in relation to the stallion's future. "Being an elder isn't just about attaining great age and wisdom. Most of the soquili who become elders have something or someone they wish to protect. So while elders are expected to react when faced with danger most wouldn't have become elders if they did not have desire to guard and defend to begin with. It a natural evolution of behaviours and desires that were already there. In an elder those are simply stronger."

The mare shook her head giving the stallion a smile. "So no, I don't believe having a family is a detriment for an elder. In fact I myself have a family, and I don't believe they have been harmed or endangered because of my status as an elder. Just the opposite actually, I have been able to protect them at times I might not have been able to do so if I had not been an elder."