Forebodings

Atnas stood watching the younger members of the clan preparing for their hike to the oak forest of the east. The warming southwest wind had melted much of the snow, and it provided a chance to gather more akarns,* which were so bountiful this past season. While the ground in the forest was littered with the nuts, Nubbins leave much of the crop for deer and other animals to use during the winter.**  When the weather gets warmer they then collect the remaining akarns from areas where there is excess. The Nubbins were pleased to find that the white oaks had been especially productive, as they were preferred over the black oaks which have more tannin in them. The akarns can be stored for many moons, as can the flour ground from them; thus, this opportunity to insure ample food supplies for the future was never overlooked.

The crew was soon on its way and Atnas waved to them as they followed the path through the thicket, but as he dropped his arm, a sudden chill came over his body and he began to shake violently, so much so that the crow sitting on his shoulder hopped to ground cawing for the others.  The birds quickly arrived, but the episode just as quickly subsided.  Atnas gestured to them to indicate that everything was alright; but the elder had never experienced such an event, and he wondered if this was a sign that his time was soon to be upon him.  He climbed up on the stump which hid the entrance to the lodge, and sat down.  Another wave of cold overcame his body.  This time he did not shake, but an apparition took hold, and for a brief second he could see the lifeless body of a very young Nubbin lying in the plowed field of a tall one.  The vision tore at his soul and he immediately awoke from the trance.

“Never has it been recorded that a Young One would pass before he reached the age of knowing.  No illness do we suffer.  Why has this event been brought to my mind?”

He thought back to his conversation with Restbrew, who had voiced concerns over the changes that seemed to be more frequent and dire.  Then it was suddenly apparent, as if the great one had just sent the answer:  The concept of ‘worry’ had become part of their culture and being.

Unknown to them for centuries, and always accepting of events around them, this new emotion of worry was now upon them.  No word was had for it, but Atnas now felt it, and he recognized that it had become a part of each elder’s demeanor.  It was this that had them wondering about his journey to meet the great one.  It was this that led to their questions. The impact of this new feeling was in need of discussion, and he decided to consult with the others upon the next full moon.  

---------------------
*Akarns (acorns) are the food staple of the Nubbins, similar to a number of early Native American populations.  
**Nuts like acorns are referred to as ‘mast,’ a botanical term for either the vegetative or the fruit/nut parts of woody trees and shrubs that are consumed by wildlife.  There is ‘hard mast’, such as acorns or hickory nuts, and then there is ‘soft mast’ like leaf buds, berries and rose hips.