Offerings

Holy nectar from the deeps of time to now

Teczel-tuah moved the stone pestle carefully, solemnly. This was his ticpahualtin teotl, gift to the gods. The men sat around his small altar in dignified silence.Teczel-tuah raised the powder toward the crowd. As one, they intoned: "Tlāltikpak, xochitl xochitl yohualo."

The old priest sprinkled it into a pot of bubbling water. Then he raised the other vessel with the sweet brown xocoatl. Again, the group responded to the silent gesture, and it was added to the boiling coffee mixture.

Teczel-tuah poured small drops into a tiny cup and placed it next to a squat gold idol, its hand raised in a similar gesture as the priest. When the little god had been served, the men shared the bittersweet to celebrate the close of their day in brotherhood before wending back to their clans and families alone.

@-----@-----@

Jessica laughed as she walked back to the table. The Ladybrunch was a monthly event she always looked forward to.

"Tracy, give me a hand before I spill this! I don't want want these slacks covered in mocha; everyone'll think I soiled myself!"

But she was at the table before Tracy could get up. She set the tray on the table and handed out steaming ceramic mugs to everyone. Then she raised her cup.

"A toast, m'ladies!" she giggled. "To female fellowship, sharing lives, lies, and the gift from the gods: Coffee! ...And Tracy's precious mocha!"

After an hour of laughs and stories, Jessica paid the bill and put a small cup of espresso in front of the barista. She whispered, "This one's for you, for putting up with us again." She winked, then pointed at the girl's hand. "Nice rings, by the way; it's like your whole hand's made of gold!"

They gave air-kisses outside the door and wound their ways back home.

(Word Count: 300)