The Story of Lilith: A New Era Dawns

(A/N: At the beginning of the Early Civilization Era the lot value is $37, 101

and the cash amount is $103,174)

In the early hours before dawn, a delivery had been made. The items that Lilith and Annia had ordered were now here and they would be the first in the desert to progress. Lilith was shrewd enough to understand that appearances would mean a lot now, more so than before. Three big items that would change their lives were: a bricked well connected to the underground spring. In this well, fish and other foods would be kept fresh. Dining on a foul fish would be a thing of the past. Also there was a clay cooking structure. It was safer than an open fire and one person could cook for the entire family, freeing up time for other things. And lastly was a huge basin that held water for washing hands and dirty objects. The healer women insisted that "Cleanliness was next to godliness". Lilith had no idea what that meant other than being healthier and stronger was good.

Lilith gathered the larger root bulbs and set about cooking a new meal for her family.

Delilah complained, "It hasn't much flavor, Mother."

"This is true. Next time I shall sprinkle dried plants on it for flavoring."

"Will it really keep me full all day, like fish does?"

"Annia says that it will."

When the meal was over, Lilith was thrilled to be able to cleanse her food platter. Sometimes, it's the little things.

Lilith was very pleased with the new changes.

And she was also delighted with her first grandchild.

Delilah was the first to eagerly rummage through the bag for new clothing. She was ready to shed the smelly animal skins for the airy cloths.

Jair also changed into these new clothes, although he was less thrilled.

Upon awakening, Genesis was delighted with the scent of a cooked meal to eat, that he didn't need to make.

He and Tahash announced that they were going to keep wearing their "manly skins". Delilah was excited to try the stringed instrument that had arrived.

She was embarrassed at the horrible noise she made. She heard her brothers making fun of the sounds. She decided to practice away from camp until she was better.

The men were not overly enthralled at the bland root crop meal. But Lilith told them to quit complaining and they should appreciate having a meal waiting for them as they awakened. Jair was a wise man and often quoted around the desert. He coined a new phrase, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." They all put a smile on their face and ate without grumbling after that.

Tahash was so impressed with the new basin that he cleansed his own dishes. Lilith thought this was wonderful.

Tahash's spliced plant bore a new type fruit. They had high hopes that this would bring them wealth.

Delilah practiced making music out in the desert.

Annia doted on Varinia while Genesis beamed with fatherly pride.

Genesis went to the grotto to harvest fungus plants that he had observed there previously. He thought his mother could add them to her cooked meals.

Jair planted the plants he had gathered from Granite Falls. He knew the healer women used them and thought they might be handy.

Genesis and Annia still had eyes for each other only. Lilith was certain, she would have a camp full of grandchildren one day.

While digging up rocks, Lilith came across Delilah's practice. She was grateful that Delilah was practicing away from camp. Those strings sounded like an animal dying in agony.

Tahash was happy to have the time to swim after gardening, extra time gained with his mother cooking the morning meal.

Lilith had time for her salutations, Jair painting and Annia napping.

For the evening meal, Lilith stewed the fungus from the caves with two different root vegetables.

Delilah was a little uncertain, but for the most part it was well received. It was also filling, just as their morning meal had been.

As the night fell, Lilith watched her first born watching his first born. She felt greatly blessed and contented. She had been through great difficulties, but the end results were turning out rather wonderful.

Lilith discovered that cooking on clay was not without hazards.

But it was still quicker and almost as tasty as cooking directly over a fire.

After the morning meal, Lilith sent Delilah and Tirzah to a "school". Young boys and girls had the opportunity to learn how to read and write. Most families would not send children as it was considered a waste of time. But the wealthier families would. Lilith intended for her children and grandchildren to advance and school would likely help.

Thanks to Tahash and Genesis the garden was thriving. Between Lilith's collecting, Jair's painting and the garden the family was accumulating wealth nicely.

Annia asked Lilith to teach her how to salute the sun.

Hired workers began to come and work on the structure of a house for the family. Genesis had his concerns, "Should we be spending so much money? Certainly we should start out simple?"

"No, we shouldn't start out simple. We have the wealth and our house should be fitting to our plans for the future."

"Others will be jealous. Tahash and I have heard of neighbors losing part of their garden to thievery."

"Better for others to be jealous of us, rather than look down on us. I will take protecting our crops into consideration with the design."

"Don't make it too grand, Mother." Lilith did not respond to Genesis and that worried Genesis.

Annia was true to her word and helped when needed. She was not as good of a cook as Lilith, but her food was pleasing.

And Jair stepped in to help as well. He was a doting uncle to Varinia.

He was the only one besides Annia that could get the baby to sleep when she was fretful.

The progress of the house thrilled them all, although both Genesis and Tahash thought it was a bit too much. They didn't even know half of what Lilith had planned.

Lilith was unamused that everyone's excitement over washing dishes wore off.

Varinia was doted on by everyone, but thankfully no signs of becoming spoiled.

Genesis asked Lilith to go with him to the ponds. He wished to fish and gather news. In turn she would collect and gather gossip. There were rumors of rising and warring tribes. It would be best to know what was happening.

On the way home they began to compare notes... Genesis inquired, "What gossip is there, Mother?"

"Well, it seems everyone feels compelled to inform me of your father and his new family. His two sons quarrel about anything and everything. As if I care. Many of the others close to my age are dying. And as they are dying, the new ways are replacing the old. Women seem to have little value and considered servants without a voice. Men think they own us," Lilith spat out angrily.

Genesis kept his voice low and grim, "It's far worse than you have even heard, Mother, far worse."

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone is fractioning off now. There are new ways, old ways and a mixture of the two. Anyone that speaks of a goddess is condemned. Female deities are taboo. It's not enough that females are a lower class now, some of the tribes dispose of newborn daughters like trash."

Lilith stopped in her tracks and stared horrified at Genesis. "Surely you jest! This cannot be!"

"It is true. Other tribes sacrifice newly born babes, male or female to their god. Some routinely place their young out to be exposed if the family is large or the food is little. When food is scarce, the daughters will go without food first."

"Can these people not even see beyond the end of their noses? Can a man give life? How will a society grow strong without women to bear the next generation?"

"Well, it will certainly drive the bride price up. I hate to bring up Father, but his tribe speaks out against sacrificing or disposing on any infant. But his tribe would also make women a lower class than men. I cannot even name a tribe with women held in high regard or great position. There are a few tribes that treat females as equals to males. They even adopt the abandoned babied they find into their tribe."

Lilith and Genesis had arrived at camp now, but stood off from a distance to continue the conversation.

"Genesis, what does this mean for us? Surely you cannot adopt any of these ways. You know that it is foolishness."

"Yes, Mother, I agree this is foolishness. I have seen your wisdom and strength. Yet if we are to remain in the desert, we must find the balance between staying true to our beliefs without making enemies of everyone surrounding us. I'll not lie to you, this will not be easy and we may have to outwardly compromise on issues."

"Such as?"

"Outside of this camp, I represent this family. When we are within our home, I will defer to you as usual. If I father a son, then Varinia will not inherit but my first born son will. I do not like this, but the other tribes will not negotiate with a woman as a leader." Lilith sighed as Genesis continued, "Within our camp Varinia and my sisters will be cherished and given a voice. They'll not be forced into marriage against their wills. Mother, you were right to plan for a grand home. We must make a show of strength now. I will speak to the workers and tell them whatever you wish for this home shall be done."

"My plans were grand enough, but you are right... it shall be bigger."

Genesis chuckled, "Try not to spend every last simolean we have."

"I won't. Just leave it all to me. When do the workers estimate our new home will be ready?"

"Shortly after Varinia outgrows her swaddling clothes."