Broken Boulder Starchaser

Calida listened rather intently as Iota told her of the Earthmother; she'd never heard any tales or folklore, no Gods nor Goddesses... nothing to give life any real wonder. "I've never heard of her," she admitted. Then, she added, "Well... I mean, maybe our cultures are different. I grew up far to the northeast of here, where there was little but taiga and evergreens."

They began to walk, Calida setting a rather leisurely pace; she didn't think he would mind, as it would give them more time to talk. When Iota had finished telling his story, the red woman frowned, her eyes deadening somewhat as she recalled her own mother. Clearing her throat, she confided quietly, "Our mothers were much the same, then. I was named Calida, for fire - fire to be stamped out," She snarled softly, and her tail lashed as long-buried memories came to the surface. She shook her pelt, trying to dispel her sudden tension.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, grimacing. "My... my mother... she left no physical scars, but..." Calida trailed off, but she was certain he would understand what was left unsaid. Changing topics, she said, "Tell me more about the Earthmother. you said she created... everything, or just us?"