Mannix rushed through his daily chores, getting reprimanded twice for not taking care in his work. He was reminded yet again of how the monastery relied on the dutiful work of all its members. As though the words and his apologies weren't enough, he was sent to help the younglings clean the tools from the previous week's chores. He cursed himself inwardly while doing his best to be thorough in his work.In the end, his anxiousness cost him two hours, and the sun was nearly setting by the time he was done. Tonight was assembly, as was every second night for their small community. He was hoping that they'd discuss the true meaning of their new guests, and that he wouldn't be alone in seeing the great things they could bring to all of their families.
Having gotten a smile and approval to finish up, he put away his cleaning utensils and rushed out the door of the large hut he'd been working in. He ran past the fields that were now emptying of workers, wishing that he could run fast enough to take back some of the time he'd cost himself for the day. He slowed to a jog as he came upon the family huts outside of the gathering place. He'd get reprimanded again for missing dinner, but at least that wouldn't cost him more chore time.
He circled around the area where preparations were taking place for that night as dusk settled. On the other side of the clearing and temple was his goal, and where his mind had wandered all day. Stopping just outside the open entryway to wipe the dust off his work clothes, he entered slowly in an attempt to hide his rush, although his ragged breathing betrayed his trip.
"How are they?" He gasped, not looking to the healer, but rather straight at the two beds, which were both full for the first time in years. While he certainly wasn't as wise in the ways of the healing process as Saffron and her journeyman teacher, he certainly couldn't see any sign of improvement in the two strange visitors.
"It's been two days." Saffron walked over to him. "Two days, and you've earned yourself extra chores each day hoping that your new treasures, even though they're people too, would awaken and give you a gift."
Mannix looked at the two men. They looked very much the same as the rest of the monastery, but they had rounder eyes, lacked the larger pointed ears and were noticeably taller and broader than any of the monks, even though they'd been in bed since they'd arrived. They looked like taller versions of the mysterious hermit Varth. Mannix could only hope that they would acclimate to their home better. "I'm not looking for a gift for myself. They will bring new hope for us all!" That comment brought a derisive snort from behind him. He turned to see his brother and his friend Gall. Gall was always laughing at him.
"Monahan already said that he didn't see the prophesy in these outsiders. It doesn't fit the prophesy... just more dreaming from you." He snorted again.
Mannix ignored the comment and looked back to the strangers. He respected their elder, he was wise well beyond Mannix's own abilities... but he just knew he was going to do something special, and it had to be these men. "Can you help them, Saffron?"
The girl pointed at the amulet hanging from the top of the thatch roof. While still young, was closer to being an adult than he... she was a year away from her ceremony, which made her just a bit younger than his older brother. "They're not quite like us, but the amulet is strong, and has always served us well."
Baldemar shouldered his way past the girl and put his hand on Mannix's back. "Mother wants to speak to you. Your constant blabbing in the fields today about the great future is upsetting more than a few, and word's getting around. You missed dinner again too. Let's go before you get us both in trouble."
Mannix began to protest, wanting to help watch over the healing process... this was too important for them all... but he knew he couldn't debate his way out of this one. He was already bringing too much attention on his family, and they weren't happy. He looked to Saffron sadly before turning to walk out of the hut. He ignored the silly grin on Gall's face.
The three of them turned the corner out of the healer's hutt and headed back the way he'd came.
They'd gone only two steps when behind them, they heard a cough and a gravely strained voice. "Water..."
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