Contest 5

Debo’rah

Grown up on one of the Andaman Islands, Debo’rah enjoyed her childhood. She always had sharp ears, even more than the rest of her clan. Hunting wild animals, searching for roots, nuts and other wonders mother Earth gave them has been her education.
Caring for the weak, helping the ones in need and respecting her elders was the deeper sense of life.

When the elders died one by one, Debo’rah and the other children felt lost. “When the world changes, we adapt” is what elder Endu’reh taught them. “It is known and has always been”.

The last quest given by him was for all children the same: “Look out for each other. One alone is weak, but many are strong.” Yet to Debo’rah he added in private: “There is a wast world outside the island. Venture out to discover it. Try to understand it. And come back and protect your siblings. When you were born, I cast the dice and bones. They showed me the sun, symbol of the outside world. Potions and herbs, the bringer of health and pain looked strong on you. Either the effects should be even stronger on you, or you can make them stronger for everyone. This one I didn’t see. Finally the bones showed me also “needle and ears”.. at least this one seems clear.

When Endu’reh died, Debo’rah waited one full cycle of the moon, before she left her home.

Care for the weak and help the ones in need. Did this also count for mutees? Debo’rah wasn’t sure, but when she saw the poor creature, she couldn’t help herself. Using the herbs, found in the vicinity; adding some of the dried ones she took with her and the potion of strength was brewed. At least the human version of it. Would it work on the mutee as well? Without a better plan, Debo’rah tried it.
And thought she failed. It worsened the condition of the poor animal, she thought she had killed it. But on the third day, just barely, it seemed to recover. Several days later the mutee was as strong as it ever could have been. Thankful it looked ad Debo’rah. Nibbled her ears. And didn’t leave her side.