This is embarrassing! I don’t know where I came from! My earliest memories are of the convent in southern Ireland. A most unhappy place, full of discipline and empty of fun. I think I, as a wild free spirit of fun, was sent by God to help the good Sisters bring more joy into their lives, but their beliefs and celibacy soured them and I failed in my mission.

As soon as I was old enough, I began to sneak out of the dank cloistered confines of its walls and explore the nearbye woodlands…rejoicing in the freshness and surprises of nature. These misty ancient forests reeked of adventure, danger and the potential for life’s more gratifying experiences.

One night I found a Wiccan ceremony in a sweet glade and tasted of what it had to offer. Dancing naked with others of my kind, brothers and sisters, in the light of also dancing flames was all I needed to know about the direction of my future…the fullfillment of my life. I never went back to those chambers of dreariness dedicated to a dead God. I would live for him here with my kindred, tasting deeply of pleasure and the joy of learning useful things to offer the world I served. Shamans, and Druids were my teachers, not over emphasis on the doubtful truths of dry old scriptures.

One day, my coven was engulfed in the dark shadow of religious intolerance and destroyed. Only a few of us survived and went out own ways in the hopes that at least one of us could keep our arts alive.

I am still a comely maiden. I am soft of skin and my curves are exciting to hold. Men love me, women wish they were me. I am very very alive.

I have learned to avoid the common kind of womanhood, though they come to me for help with their birthings and ailments occasionally. Kindred sisters like me well enough…not that there are that many of them…we tend to be a rare breed. I keep to the outer edges of society, so that those who would bring me trouble will have the long walk and not me.

It wasn’t hard to pursuade the Cap’n to bring me aboard his questing vessel. I would be good for the moral of his men...not to mention him. Besides, if I stayed in Ireland I would be risking a terrible end screaming my pain and hatred from a fire engulfed stake. Thankee, but no thankee! Those servants of intolerance can kiss their own arses. Mine is too good for that, so I got it outa there!

My skills at basketry, pottery, herbal healing and making things happen with focus of mind and heart will augment my “living”. I have become quite good with a sling too. Nothin like a well aimed stone. I will be more needed and appreciated here in this fine new land. Already, I have some good stout hearted friends and my hut out in the woods is comfy. Everyday, I make wonderful new botanical discoveries here and I haven’t even begun to explore this land. I am happy…though it does give me the “willies” to hear that Father Donovan might gain leadership power amongst us.

Treeana Morna