A test of character...
Part 1: The Prelude
When Aunt Tildy was told by Fenix that he and Jewellyn were going to meet by that tall poplar tree, with some of the boys from the orphanage in attendance, she wasn't totally surprised. She had heard tales that some of the boys had indeed climbed that tree at least a half dozen times. Sometimes, word spreads around. She figured that one of the boys couldn't keep quiet about his spectacular feat of daring, and told someone, who then proceeded to tell someone else, and on and on...Some of the townsfolk were very concerned and there was talk about cutting the tree down. So far, nothing had been done. Some of the townsfolk were of the attitude 'boys will be boys.' Also, some pointed out that they would have to take down many trees or plow over many dangerous areas, in an effort to make things safer, which wouldn't leave much of the land intact at all. However, if someone did fall and die as a result, there would be much hindsight and regret that nothing was done.
So, when Aunt Tildy, having been informed of what they were about to do, did or said little to intervene; Though she did say many prayers to Valdemar's Gods when they left. After that, she decided to occupy herself with the laundry. It was a grand day to do it, there only being a slight breeze along with the pleasant, warming sun riding high in a rich blue sky. Also she would confer with her two assistants again to see what other trouble might be brewing. Auntie knew to never rest on her laurels.
Part Two: Will he do it?
Fenix took in a deep breath as they came upon the hill. It was a bit more difficult for him to climb the hill this time because he was sore and stiff from his bout with the tree yesterday. A few more steps and the imposing tree loomed into view before him. He stared at it, and to him it truly became something mythical. The tree had also become something archetypical within his spirit, since he had seen it last, as something psychologically symbolic that now had to be overcome.
Jewellyn tapped him on the shoulder from behind making him jump a little and asked, "Are you really going to try and climb that tree?"
"Why? Don't you think I can do it?" he asked as he turned around. His tone of voice betrayed a little irrititaton at what he thought was her implied doubt.
She glanced downward a little and replied, "Well perhaps I should have asked more clearly. I mean do you think it is really necessary to climb that stupid tree?" She was beginning to get those feelings again, not of her own.
Fenix couldn't but help notice how her long brown hair reflected the sunlight, almost giving it a golden aura. "Well Jewellyn," he said with a slight smile, "it seems that it has become a symbol of something within my spirit which I must someday overcome. It is as inevitable as rain during a thunderstorm."
Jewellyn blinked at that last statement.
"I must succumb to the challenge someday," he continued with his soliloquy. "Lest it become a painful thorn in my spirit."
Jewellyn rolled her eyes. "There you go with that silly poetic diction again," she said, laughing a little, "you really have to learn to speak more within the local dialect." Yet, deep within, she was feeling emotions that were foreign to her experience at one time, which she now realized were feelings of someone else, in this case, of course, Fenix. She could feel his angst, his anxiety, and even fear when he was projecting ahead the possible outcomes of what he had to do here. She had some of these vague feelings before, whether it be with Fenix or with someone else. It seemed that somehow, she gradually realized more often lately, that at times she could feel within herself, the emotions and the joy and pain of others.
Fenix had to laugh a little too. Inwardly though, his feelings were going in a different direction. I wonder if I'll ever overcome that stupid, fancy speech. Also, the fact I get this inner fear, or block, whenever I think about defending myself, or whenever I think about trying to help someone in danger. Something doesn't connect and I freeze, unable to do anything...
They briefly exchanged glances and looked down at the tree. The other children from the orphanage hadn't shown up yet.
