AAH, the Vowel of Wonder

As Bran and Bryn neared the edge of the forest, they saw a shining figure on the path. She wore a
white dress with a red cape and belt, and stood with her hands raised over her head. The children heard a
soft sound, almost like a hum, from the figure.
Ah. She said with a single breath. She drew in another, and released the sound again. The children
stood in wonder of the woman and what she was doing. She lowered her arms and turned to face the
children. Greetings, travellers. What brings you to this village?
We are on a quest from the Wise Woman. Bran explained. He did not mention the book, nor the
symbols; the children waited for the woman to respond. She smiled and nodded.
Then let me teach you a poem. She sat down on a rock near the path and beckoned the children
to sit in front of her. They rested on their knees and unpacked a snack of barley and raspberriesthey
offered the woman a bit, but she shook her head. She stood from where she sat and took in a deep breath.
Roots below the Earth, she bent down at the waist and touched the ground;
Grow high into the Sky, the woman began to stand up;
Raising branches like arms to greet the Sun, she lifted her arms over her head;
In wonder and awe of Life, she let her arms rest over-head, her eyes closed, and
a soft smile on her face.
AH. The woman let out a deep breath.
The woman smiled at the children when she had finished, and sat on her rock. Did you enjoy my
poem?
Very much so, kind lady. Thank you for telling it to us. May we have your name, so we may
remember who told us this verse? Bran asked, careful not to mention the book. The woman nodded.
I am Anna. She answered, emphasizing the ah in her name. Take this special key, I was saving it
for a special reason, and I believe that you will need it on your quest. Anna handed Bryn a bronze key with
six symbols written in the metal. Now, on with you children. You must keep on your quest. She went back
to gazing up at the tree branches, her arms raised above her head. She took a deep breath in and exhaled
ah into the air.
Bran and Bryn hurried along the path, energized by their snack and the story they had just heard.
They checked their map as they were running through the trees, and found themselves at the back-door to
the first house marked on the map. They knocked and waited for answersoon, they heard a soft voice
and footsteps behind the door.
Who is it? The soft voice called.
We were sent on a quest from the Wise Woman. We were told this is a safe place to rest? Bran
called out. The door unlocked and opened to reveal a young girl, younger that Bryn, in a soft pink dress
and braids.
Yes, come in. Momma is making breadPapa went to the market to get fish for supper. She stood
to the side and let Bran and Bryn pass. Momma! The Wise Woman sent us visitors!
Oh? Wonderful! Bring them to the table, I have some warmed milk and honey and biscuits if they
are hungry. The girl led them to the table and sat down across from them. The mother, a healthy woman

with brown hair like the leaves on the ground in autumn. Alice, bring the biscuits from the oven. Oh, you
are young! Here, children, drink up. This winter chill is terrible.
We saw Heathbells near our home this morning. It was odd. Bryn said after taking a sip of her
milk and honey. It warmed her arms and fingers and toes, and the honey soothed her throat which was
hoarse from running in the cold air.
That is a treat. Ill leave you to rest and warm your bellies. You are safe here. The woman took
Alice off to finish the laundry in a different room.
Bran, take the book out. We should put Anna in the book. I think she was the first symbol. Bryn
said, handing Bran the quill and ink. You do it, I cant draw.
All right. Bran pulled a box of square wax colours from his bag. He decided to draw Anna in
colour. He opened the book to the second pagehe left the first page blank for a title, like he saw in his
fathers books. First, he drew her arms over her head, then he drew her white dress and green cape with
the green belt. The image took life and the page glowed.
You were right, BrynAnna was the first symbol. Look, her cape and belt look like an A. Are the
symbols letters? Bran asked, tracing the A on the page. He passed the book to Bryn, who traced the letter
as well.
I think it is the first symbol, and I think the symbols are letters. This is exciting, Bran! Bryn
giggled as she looked at the picture. But, arent we supposed to draw with the quill and ink? Do you think
Arela and the Wise Woman will be mad that we used colours?
I dont think so. If they wanted ink and not colours, they wouldnt have had children draw the
symbols. Bran said pointedly. Bryn nodded in agreement.
Alice and her mother entered the room as Bran put the book back in his bag. They carried a basket
of clothes.
Would you mind helping us? Alices mother asked. The children jumped up and began to fold the
clothes. They felt good from their experience in the forest, happy that they had found the first symbol,
and proud that they were now helping a kind family. The book continued to glow, and the light from the
first symbol warmed the hearts of Bran, Bryn, and the family that took them in.