THE HEALER — Seeing differently

Inside, the tree smelled of freshly cut herbs. There were jars, bundles of leaves, and containers of different sizes. Skyblue found a place to sit without brushing anything with her wings.

Evarista let her settle before asking:

“When did it happen?”

“You know what’s happening to me?”

“I’ve been waiting for it.”

“So… I’m not mad? Or is this another part of the madness everyone says I have?”

Evarista laughed freely. Skyblue began to relax.

“You’re not mad. You’re seeing things you couldn’t see before.”

“Ernesto winked at me with his trunk.”

“I’m glad you finally noticed.”

Skyblue looked at her, unsure whether she was joking, too.

Evarista sat down opposite her.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment since you were born. When your mother told me about her dream, I encouraged her to keep your name. It has to do with your roots.”

“My roots?”

“Your origins. The place you come from.”

“Don’t I come from the same place as everyone else?”

“Yes and no. We all come from the same Source, but as we travel our paths, we can forget that connection. You came from a place where awareness of that origin is still vivid. You chose to come here, to experience this life and find the way back. Afterward, you could help others do the same.”

Skyblue tried to make sense of the explanation. She could not get past the last sentence.

“Me? Help others? I’m the girl who causes trouble. Ask anyone. Who would want to follow me?”

“First you have to make your own journey,” Evarista replied. “You won’t be teaching what you don’t yet know. When you find the way, others will recognize something in you that they, too, are looking for.”

The young dragon fell silent. For the first time, the idea of leaving no longer seemed like one of her childhood fantasies.

“Many are ready to wake,” the healer continued. “Some have already begun. Each one who remembers helps the others; the energy of the group will carry them along until all have awakened. The dragons’ enchanted land was not always ruled by fear and greed. It will become what it once was.”