Math Ap Mathonwy

It's long ago now since we first came to know each other in our various travels as fellow Runners. Young and foolish, still we had hopes that perhaps we, of all the Runners, might just be found to be Bards. We believed in ourselves, in our ability to perform, our memories and we had understood our lessons right well. Yet, how surprised we truly were, when we were taken each aside and told that we were all Bards. All four of us, all friends and all geared to go out and do most marvelous things. Of course, it didn't quite happen that way, but we did decide to be Wandering Bards and see just how we might do our dearest dreams. I suppose we all expected that eventually we would find ourselves called to a Court to function as a Court Bard. But, for a while we were content to just move about and learn. Not always together, as it was considered a bit unwise; so we'd let Nature take whatever course She wished and enjoy our reunions whenever they might befall us. Only Bardic Council Members had a tendency to stay together, and even they could scatter when necessary.

Friends, fast friends, we often puzzled over that all four would feel that way about each other. Had we known each other before?It was quite possible, I should guess, but when the others began to claim that I had brought each of them into their Gift, I felt a little shy of it. I surely didn't feel above any of them and could rightly not find my Gift to be any greater than their own. They also considered me to be the nicest looking of us all, which I was sometimes rather chided about. I didn't resent it, they were all my best of friends and it truly was as if we were all brothers, no matter our differed temperaments or widely varied opinions. It was always such a joy to sing or trade tales with one another and I remember many the blazing fires in the deepest dark of night as we would look around us to see each other's familiar faces.

But time passed and disturbing days began to befall the lands that we called Cymru. News of a strange and distant religion began to catch our ears as something deep inside ourselves became disquieted. It was at that time that I also seemed to notice that I was noticed, though I wasn't certain why; yet every time that I might be in the presence of one of the Council, they appeared to seek me out and speak with me awhile. Once, even the Head of Council herself asked that I might join her and talk; and though I was quite delighted by her attention, I could not fathom why she could even hold the slightest of interest in me. Not that the Head of Council might not show interest in any of her (or his) Folk of any status; but it all had come to seem a little peculiar. I'm afraid at the time this chafed a bit with my friends because they saw this as attention that in some ways they ought be sharing in. It was a rather uncomfortable contrast for me in that the others seemed to both hold me above them, yet also wished that I have nothing more than they. In retrospect, it all seems so silly now.

The Head of Council then was a woman named Keiradynn with wonderful dark hair and eyes who looked much younger than I knew she must be. As but a Bard, it was usually rather difficult to know the Head well as the Council would surround the Head so closely. Though nearly ascetic, she was also known for a bright sense of humor and a caring touch when needed. I admired her greatly though she always seemed so far from anyone's grasp; and though she spoke with me on occasion, I had no pretense of it being anything other than some kind politeness, though I couldn't quite convince the others of that fact.

I remember it being a bright spring day when I was met unexpectedly by one of the Council Members. At first she said nothing though I greeted her in courtesy. After several moments she spoke almost darkly, "You are Math?... son of Mathonwy?"

Puzzled, I answered, "Yes... Is there something amiss?"

Saying nothing more, she turned her horse and bid that I should follow her. After a long ride in silence, we finally came to a stream. Here she stopped and dismounted indicating that I do the same. We both tied our horses to a tree to walk to a dense area surrounded by oaks. I was not truly surprised to find that others awaited us, including the Head of Council. But, when I got to the edge of the trees, I was blindfolded before brought in amongst them. Baffled, I found myself to be a little frightened as I was shuffled quietly within their ranks. For a moment it felt as if they had all disappeared until I began to hear the low hum and gently building chant. A warm wash flowed through me as they drew closer, the chant more intoxicating. Finally I was enwrapped by them, the power so strong that I almost passed out. Yet, suddenly it ended, I was released, the blindfold removed, as I stared into the Head of Council's face. "Welcome..." She said, smiling, "Welcome to the ranks of the Council."

With that, I began shivering "Mother," I gasped, "I do not deserve this."

"You deserve far more than you know. Perhaps in time, things shall become much clearer for you. But, I do not chose wrongly, and I am more than certain in you. You have passed all the tests, my friend, whether you know of it or no. Come, we shall celebrate your new status tonight and then ride forth on the morrow to the Council Seat to be properly introduced to the other Members."

"But, my friends, I was thinking to meet them... to..." She cocked her head at me, "I'm sorry... that's my past now, isn't it?..." I suddenly felt a little resigned and depressed.

"You worry overmuch... the future is yet to be and there shall be plenty of time to spend with your friends... Come, this is all that matters for now." With that, everyone turned from my unadorned Initiation, that we might proceed on our way.

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