Originally Posted By: MochaJew
It was a sad day when Taji died.

Taji had one older child, who had died from illess at age 9. Her only survinig child, Taji, was only 5 years old when her mama died.
But the tribe took very good care of the girl, collectively raising the beauitful little girl who looked just like her mama.
But, out of fear, it would be several years before anyone tried the portions again.

One day, while conducting research, 14 year old Taji was be relentlessly harassed by a noisy, squawking bird. So persistent is the bird, that it would almost seem that it is deliberately trying to disrupt research!

Taji watched the bird. Somehow she felt the bird was trying to tell her something. Her mother always told her to watch the creatures about her; they were amoung her greatest teachers.
So Taji left the bird alone. Then suddely, Taji found that the bird had a piece of paper in his claw which was a recipe to give more energy, black orchid + tiger lily + cactus.
Taji gingerly tried the portion.
It didn't blow up!
The small tribe tried the portion and found themselves needing to excercise! The portion, which would give the tribe enegery helped to build nuscle and all gained the skills needed as builders.
Taji continued to learn the skills of the Alchemy. Ali, her teacher the meaning and properties of the Cactus, Tily Lily, Black Orchid, and rose. Both their strenghts and weakness.
"The power of the Alchemy," Ali often to Taji, "in your hands is the power to do great good or great harm. Use this gift well."
Later, was Taji's idea that the properties of each herb along with each portion would be recorded.
"Lest we forget and have more accidents that killed my mother." Taji once said.
"Accidents are unavoidable, little one." Ali cautioned the girl.

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Life is hard. So put on your big girl panties and deal with it.