No Time For Witches by S.A. Ison

Author:S.A. Ison [Ison, S.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-20T22:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

Nuna led the way into the menstruation hut, bending low at the opening. Kim followed behind; it was several hours before dawn. She had woken in the night with cramps. She knew that she would spend roughly the next five to seven days in the hut. Kim could make out humps in the dark, there was a low fire that she was told would burn continuously. The hut smelled of herbs. She was led to an area that had furs piled up.

“Strip down,” Nuna whispered. Kim began to undress. The hut would become nearly oppressive during the day with the sun beating down on it. Kim was to wear a leather thong which was used to hold absorbent material, such as moss and cattail fluff. When dawn came, she would bathe with herbal waters to purify herself and to say chants and prayers for life and health. She would burn the used material as needed in the fire, adding herbs to it. She would chant and say prayers of thanksgiving each time she burned the material.

In the evening, she would bathe once more and for three days, she would fast, drinking only broth of squash and corn. This would help to purify her body and also to remind her of the gifts the land and spirits provided. On the fourth day, she would be given solid food and would stay until her bleeding was done. She would then go to the river to bathe thoroughly and then return to her hut and her family.

“Later in the morning, I shall bring you broth to drink. Go to sleep now and enjoy your time of ease. This is the only time a woman may be idle and we enjoy it much,” Nuna said and Kim heard the smile in her voice.

“Thank you, mother,” she said softly and got beneath the soft pelts. She pulled the cover up over her naked shoulder and sighed heavily and she smoothed the hair away from her face.

A week of sitting around, which sounded good. But she knew herself and she would get bored quickly. She had passed the hut many times since her arrival. She heard women laughing and talking. It had always caused her to smile, reminding her of her abuela and her friends. She sighed softly and thought about her abuela. She wondered if the ache would ever leave her? Wishing to go home was a waste of energy and it left her moody and sad. It wasn’t how she wanted to live her life. She listened to the rhythm of the soft snores around her and her eyes grew heavy and she was pulled into sleep.

It was just after sunrise and Kim was washing with a soft piece of hide; the water was warm and scented with herbs. Nuna was beside her, instructing her of how to sing the chants and prayers. Kim finished and looked over and smiled. Nuna nodded and handed the bowl of broth over. Kim’s stomach growled and she sipped at the liquid slowly.

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