Golden Box Book Publishing GBBP Magazine, June, 2017 | Page 12

“Thank you for your warm welcome,” Ilona replied, still not
believing she was sitting across from Elana, 1600 years apart, yet
so close.
Elana reached toward a wooden trunk, opened the lid and
pulled out delicate wooden cups that she filled with sweet and
sour smelling white liquid from a leather pouch. Ilona sniffed it;
the liquid smelled strong, aromatic, yet spicy and sweet.
Seeing the puzzled look on Ilona’s face, Zoltan explained,
“It’s fermented horse milk and some spices.” He took a sip,
clearly enjoying the taste and closing his eyes in delight.
Ilona touched the cup to her lips and took a careful sip. As it
hit her tongue and the roof of her mouth, the taste was cold, sweet
and spicy. It created a wonderful combination. Ilona took a bigger
sip and savored it. She sipped again, and this time it was closer to
a gulp.
Zoltan touched her hand and laughed, “Easy there, young
lady! If you’re not careful, you’ll be drunk in a jiffy!”
“Oh, thanks for the warning.” Ilona glanced at him, already
feeling a little buzz. She didn’t want to appear impolite to jump
into asking Elana questions right away, so she placed the cup back
on the small round table and turned to Ema, “What you have been
doing this past week? I can’t wait to hear,”
“Ilona, this place, and time are so exciting! We got here so
quickly, and I didn’t even know we were here. The ceremony in
the cave was beautiful and mysterious, and then we rode horses to
come here to the village. Elana explained a lot of things. I just
love it here!” she took a hurried breath and continued, “I met lots
of people who were very polite and welcoming. Life here is so
pure and simple; I can’t even explain it. No rush, no cell phones or
TV. There is a lot of togetherness, storytelling, working together
and laughing together. People care for each other, Ilona; it’s not
like back home. There everybody is in a big hurry to get nowhere.
They use and discard each other. In this place and time they really
care! They enjoy and live with nature in harmony. Wow, I want to
tell you everything at once.” She laughed.
Ilona smiled, stroking Ema’s hand, “I’m so happy you like it
here.”
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