Obsidia lived and died 11,000 years ago. Her spirit lives on.
Welcome to the 13th Hump Day Hook of 2013. In this blog hop, each author posts one paragraph from a book or WIP. Find a list of splendid HDH authors here. Everyone would love a comment and for their post to be liked and tweeted. Using the hashtag #HDH, please click on the Twitter button below to tweet this post. Join the HDH Facebook page.
The following is from 13 MOTHERS, a WIP set in Catal Huyuk (modern day Turkey) in matriarchal times 9,000 BCE. The heroine of this section is Obsidia.
My mother’s bones rest beneath the green mound at the edge of our village. I give
praise that she left in her sleep, and not in war as had befallen her own mother. Pray when my time comes I will do the same, but only the Goddess knows how each of us will return to her waiting arms. It is not for me to speculate about times ahead, although I fully admit the Goddess did not see fit to grace me with the patience she gave a hare. As a child, those about me often commented on my endless chatter and fidgety nature.
Following one such criticism from a sharp tongued clanswoman, I set about kicking up dust on the dirt floor of our hut until the taste of it thickened my tongue. I could sulk with the best of them.
Clasping my arms in her work-hardened hands, my mother bent down close to my face. Her scent was of night blossoms, and lines crinkled the sides of her lips. “No matter, little one, you have other gifts.”
A wave rose in my throat to hear a good thing about myself. “What gifts?”
“You are fearless, and the Goddess gave you obsidian eyes, my daughter, that you might see into the heart of things when the time is right.”
Obsidian eyes…interesting. wonder what she will see? Probably more than she will want to. Loved the descriptions in this too!
That’s a very beautiful snippet. It is very evocative of ancient times. Well done and thank you.
Great foreshadowing with this hook! 🙂
How very interesting. I want to know much more about this woman. Wonderful hook.
What a wonderful hook, and such a lovely exchange between mother and daughter 🙂
Wonderful description. I love the way you write. Beautiful job.
Beautifully written. And it really grabbed my attention recalling this scene with her mother that’s reminding her she has an important purpose.
Hmmm. Makes me curious what gifts she might have. Nicely done.
I love this excerpt! Nice to know the heroine has the same foibles as us 21st century women as well… ; )
This really transports me. The atmosphere is excellent!
I love the language of this piece. It really sets the time and place, painting a vivid picture. And her mom’s words have left me intrigued. Makes me wonder how she’ll use these gifts. Nice hook!
Wow, great hook. Well done.
Great clues in this snippet 🙂
Interesting. Great Hook! I want to know what her gifts are!
Very nice description, Flossie. 🙂
interesting and good description. good hook! thanks for sharing. 🙂
C.R.