leif_leavenlof_graduation [Happy Campers]

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====== Leif Leavenloaf - Hermitude 2 ======

Leif had spent the last few weeks of Camp Ohiocester preaching to anyone who would listen about The Mother Jamesby. He did think that he believed it himself, but in reality, these were not more than words. But slowly he began to believe in Her almighty glory. Glory to the The Mother Jamesby!

The Shrine to the Jamesby Mother is a simple structure, though intricate in design. What it lacks in height, it makes up for in heart; and it is not built in grandeur, but in piety. Leif chose not to build it inside Jan's shed: he had selected a shed in a quiet patch of woodland in the outskirts of the forest, one of the many that River had magicked up in earlier times. The air out here was crisp; the water beneath his feet still. The willows billowed silently in the gentle breeze.

He lived by the shrine in a shack he fashioned himself, even more modest than the shed beside, from wood that was left behind after its construction. He collected firewood from branches he had scavenged from the forest floor like fallen fruit, not wanting to cause harm to the sacred trees themselves; and he managed a small field of wheat, which he ground every year by the power of a millstream into flour to make his leavened loaves.

Leif's degree had been abandoned for many years now. All his essays and coursework lay forgotten, just as they had in his previous life at Ohiocester State. He had simply had no need for such things anymore. For he now had the light of The Mother Jamesby to guide him, and the leavened loaves baked from Her glorious grain (Glory to The Mother Jamesby!) to eat, and he was content. His soul was peaceful.

Anyone (except Charis Warekelle) who passes by the shrine in the woods is merrily greeted by Leif with the goodest of 'Good Sir!'s. The traveller will be offered a loaf and place to rest, for which Leif will accept no offering save another loaf for another traveller. Leif however never forces his belief upon anyone—for although he has reached peace and happiness through his belief in The Mother Jamesby, he knows that this must come from within. He will however kindly guide anyone who wishes to hear of Her glory. One can come here to hear the praise of The Mother Jamesby—many who pass through Her auspicious abode report a feeling of great calm upon their return.

Should anyone come to choose to follow in Her teachings alongside Leif, Leif shall be sure to guide them. They shall help him to bake the loaves by the glory of The Mother Jamesby (Glory to The Mother Jamesby!), and make sure no traveller passes by hungry or in distress. Leif knows that he, unlike The Mother Jamesby, is on earth for only a short time. He shall name this new follower of The Mother Jamesby as his heir, and give to them his name of Leavenloaf as his father gave to him decades before, and entrust them to look after the shrine and all of the children of the forest when he is gone.

One day, many years hence, the sun wakes upon the woods. The wind blows through the willow-branches. The wheel turns gently in the millstream. The humble shrine still stands upon the forest floor. But Leif does not. His soul finally returns to The Mother Jamesby, like a drop of water returning to the ocean.

//Written by Harmann//