Weaving the Wheel (book)

Weaving the Wheel

Songs of the Prydaen, Volume One

-Ra'sulor Israe

Foreword

It is a long-standing custom of the people to record their history, not in written form, but in songs, chants and stories passed down from elder to kit. Hereafter is an accounting of two songs traditional to the Prides, part of the normal teaching given to all kits as they grow within our society.

Tradition holds that "A Mother's Lament" was written by Cemsiat's mother herself, in response to the sorrow which became an undying part of her life after the spiritual downfall of her only son. It is said that she blamed herself for not having seen his internal struggle against the edict handed down by Demrris, and his unreasoning need to revenge the wrong he perceived had been done to him.

History tells us that "Twilight's Journey" is one of oldest verbal works the people possess, detailing a perception of the cycle of birth to death for the people, and their eventual resting place within Tenemlor's arms, free of the struggles and hardships of life, at least until one is ready to once again be reborn.

A Mother's Lament

The very day I met your eyes Across a battlefield Though not of war, nor dying men But secrets not revealed

The treachery you held inside Well hidden from my sight Manipulations carried out Upon your soul a blight

Would that I knew that day your heart Of what you would become Question not my shame at how You surely did succumb

Through sun and moon your plans bore fruit So you could strike the blow To slay against the Gods decree The death of kin bestowed

How could you, Cemsiat, keep on Betray your kith and kin A single choice, a heartbeat's span Forever stained with sin

No more my son, and n'er again You simply cease to be Demrris has proclaimed your fate So you are dead to me

And as you stumble toward the light Your torment left unquenched Your shame inspires greater heights Your anguish my lament

Twilight's Journey

Spun from threads of blackest night And rays of brightest day

Into this world, the lands of Eu Each kit will find its way

Out of the darkness comes a voice Beguiling, soft and sweet And each kit knows the day will come When once again we'll meet

From first uncertain steps abroad When all of life is new Through lessons learned while on the hunt Your life I shall review

I am the dark, I am the light I am surcease from pain and strife Within my arms you'll come to rest By the Wheel of Life possessed

From mountains, plains and desert dunes Within the forest twilight All you, my kin, shall greet me here At the very edge of night

But while your day is strong and bright

My brother guides your way And I, the silent sister, wait As you, your life, assay

I'll be there your time is nigh When life can see its end The Wheel of Life shall beckon you And so you shall ascend

I am the dark, I am the light I am surcease from pain and strife Within my arms you'll come to rest By the Wheel of Life possessed