Words, oh how conflicted Emmawynn felt about them. Often she and Ryheric had talked about their purpose. For understanding. Yet oh how often they were used for other things. Where she had grown up they had been political tools. She had seen them used often as weapons. They could build someone up or destroy them. On different occasions her own words had done both.
Words carried such power that Emmawynn often found herself reluctant to use them. For months, perhaps as long as she had known them, the others had implored her to speak more, and a little bit at a time she had complied. She found that words helped her in her attempts to find understanding with others, yet just as often they failed her.
Here in this time of uncertainty and danger, understanding becomes more important and Emmawynn finds herself using her voice more and more often. She speaks to the others of how she sees the clan, their purpose and why. Why she believed they were doing what they were doing, why she had spent the last several long months jealously guarding her archery practice. Why she had insisted on more combat training. Why they were all drawn to each other.
They had all seen the power of the enemy. They had all made a choice. They were all willing to act.
At first, she was confused when one mentioned noticing she had stepped up, another called her mighty, and even another said she had matured. Emmaywynn had not changed. She still carried her weight around the camp, she still cooked for the clan whenever it needed done, she still foraged for herbs and vegetables, she still guarded her practice time whenever possible, she still took her turns on watch and patrol.
Words. They changed everything. While none of her actions changed, the others had started to see her in a new light.
Then there were the words she spoke in fear and frustration. Thoughtless words blurted out in desperation to say something. Those words had a devastating effect that illustrated so clearly for Emmawyn how powerful words are.
This time though instead of retreating back into quiet, Emmawynn just determines to be more careful how she uses words. Perhaps that is a change. Maybe the others are right and she has matured.
