Joyce and Matthew walked together; they had bought a basket of lunch to share. Warm, soft whole-wheat rolls, cheese and sliced of salty, smoked beef. To wash down this lunch Matthew decided to get black currant juice in a large clay pitcher.

‘Come follow me I have something to show you.’ Joyce smiled as she took his hand without waiting for him to respond. He was surprised at her gentle strength.

‘Where are we going?’

‘You shall see.’ Joyce giggled.

She led him out of the town and into the western hills which was only a walk of ten minutes. Joyce found her ‘secret’ path which had a fallen tree blocking it, but if you were small enough you could still squeeze pass. The teens were skinny and limber enough to fit even with their lunch.

Hidden behind two hills was a flat pasture with soft grass and stalks budding with a white small flower.

‘What is this?’

‘This is my special place; I come here to get away from it all sometimes. I want us to have a picnic.’ Joyce smiled.

Joyce Talon was beginning to ask herself just how many clues she had to drop before Matthew ‘got it’.

‘Thank you I don’t know what to say.’

‘Come sit, eat and relax forget about the outside world and just let it be ‘us.’ Joyce pleaded.

Matthew sat and it took a few minutes but he was able to fully stretch out and look at the clear sky. Joyce lay herself next to him and began to pet his left shoulder.

‘You ever thought about your destiny? Why we are here?’ Matthew had his serious tone.

‘No not really we Eagles don’t spend much time on such thoughts. We live because we are alive. Every day we must hunt for food. Daily needs, but beyond that not really. Just to soar on the back of a Raptor, to chase the clouds with laughter, and to see the world as no one else can. Freedom, Matt freedom. To think and feel and be whatever you are. Not a slave to some ‘destiny’ or purpose. We are alive that is what counts. We live life, enjoy it and when it ends it ends.’