Hungry but broke Ziva headed to the outskirts os Thalia. There were gardens plenty around just full of vegetables. She "borrowed" some early peas, onions and greens from a large garden. The vegetable soup of sorts that Ziva made herself wasn't the best meal she'd ever eaten but it filled her more than any in a long while.
Over the last two weeks Ziva had ample time to think, about her life and all of the dreams beyond reach. Life had started out well. At seventeen Zivaa met Kelso at Great Glade winter solstice meeting. Every village within a half-day walk came to the Solstive Social as it was called. The village had a huge out door roast with all sorts of food made by the women of the villages. Music played everywhere as village elders told little ones the history of the Great Glade and surrounding villages. By torch light young people and couples danced. Kelso had asked Ziva to dance. She had worn her newest, best dress, washed her long hair and wove primroses into her brown braid. Now she hated primroses. A match was made right there. Ziva shone like candlelight for him. It was to be a short flame. Kelso was a good husband to Ziva. He loved her genuinely at first. Loved turned to sesentment when no children cam. Both of them became frustrated and eventually despondent. Kelso's unfaithfulness was the last straw for their dying marriage. "Good-bye, Kelso, you're free to "wrestle" with Lariah all you want. I'm gone." Ziva lauhed at the thought, at the stars even at herself.
Dawn paced up the distant ocean horizon. Ziva ate the left over soup to break her fast. She was eager to get to the river. Smoke curled up from most of the buildings. Drunks lay passed out in every alley. Almost at a run Ziva came upon the river and the ferry. "Who goes there so fast?" a sleepy voice demanded.
"Ziva Florin, I've come to meet with Lady Felah." Excitement lifted Ziva's voice. "The ferry will leave in half an hour, the provisions from the village are to arrive then. You may wait." The female guard yawned

Anticipation wouldn't let Ziva sit patiently. she paced the river bank thinking about meeting Lady Felah . Since childhood stories of Lady Felah had held her attention. Lady Felah was the most powerful Earth Mage anywhere near the Great Glade. She had fought dragons, gryphons and demons of all kinds. Animals were submissive in her presence. The depth and breath of her powers were greatly praised. Curiouly missing was any physical description of her. No one remembered what she looked like. Ziva came back to reality to the tune of a jostling wagon. Oxen patiently ploded along pulling a rolling full wagon of flour, meal, salted beef and pork along with other, smaller packages of supplies. A wild looking man drove the oxen on. Ziva marveled at his flaming red hair and beard. Gray streaks looked like lightning bolts. "Hello, Sir, you are headed to the kitchen I presume?" "I am, lass what of it?" he eyed Ziva before sighing. She couldn't help her scare crow appearance.
"If you'll pay for my passage across I'll unload this wagon for you." she smiled, coy almost.
"I doubt ye can, but I could use some help anyway." Rags and all Ziva climbed onto te wagon beside him. "What's yer name, lass?" he grunted.
"I'm Ziva Florin." "Pleased ta meet ya, Ziva, I'm Harmon, what are ye plans here at Thalia Fortress?" Harmon asked as the ferry gate opened for the wagon to board.
"If Lady Felah will have me I wish to become her apprentice." Ziva gushed. Her dark, curly hair bouncing around her face. "Good luck to ye, may Mother favor ye." Harmon put forth his large, beefy hand. Ziva shook it with her own calloused one.