After bathing, everyone's spirits seemed to lift. Amun had appeared clinical and remote at first, but now he was a welcoming host. It had been many years since he had seen his brother. Their reunion was cause for celebration, a rare event in the community.

Mary and Mirium walked with the boys to the main community building for supper. Everyone pitched in to make the simple meal. Since the Essenes, as they referred to themselves, had no wealth to speak of, the meal was simple and easy to prepare. The Essenes were vegetarian. They believed that all lives are sacred, including animals. They kept some animals for milk and eggs and farm labor. Not just pets, but all animals were treated with the same care as people. The many spices and herbs used for flavor and health benefits nearly made up for the absence of meat. Their meal consisted of grain porridge and fresh bread. Bread was an important part of the Essene diet. They felt that when carefully made and consciously dedicated to the glory of God, the preparation of the bread was like preparation for the next world.

Eran and Amun sat together at one end of the table talking. Mary watched them to gage the tone and the subject of their conversation. They spoke in their native tongue, which Mary did not know. She assumed they were catching up, that Eran was telling Amun about their recent troubles, and the reason for their flight. She hoped that they would be accepted into the community, in spite of any differences in their beliefs.

Mary looked forward to bedtime when she could talk to her 'husband' in private and hear about his discussion with Amun. She was anxious for any news about what their future might hold.

After the blessing, the boys ate eagerly. They had not eaten much in the last two days. The warm meal was welcomed. They were both unusually quiet during the meal. Mary thought they must also be anxious about the future.

Mirium was relaxed and open. She was eager to get to know her new cousins. She sat across from the boys at the long wooden table, watching them closely as they ate. The three were about the same age, in their mid-teens. Mirium was excited to meet anyone new, since she spent most of her time in the company of old men who often kept silence.

Though growing up away from city life, Mirium's parents, who valued knowledge and learning above all else, had seen that she was well educated. As a result, she spoke well and had an inquisitive mind.

Mary observed that Mirium was a bit of a tomboy like she had been. With her mother's encouragement, she'd outgrown her boyish nature to become an attractive, desirable young woman who reflected well on her socially conscious parents.

Mirium barely touched her own food. She was eager to talk. "How old are you Jesus?" she asked.

"I am fifteen, How old are you?

"I am sixteen," Mirium chirped proudly as if being older gave her something over them.

John, waited expecting to be asked his age. When the question did not come, he wondered why the girl would not ask him, too. It seemed rude. John said "I am also15, but I was born a month before him."

Mirium made no comment and continued picking at her food. Mary listened to them, hoping the boys would make it through the meal without argument.

"What kind of games do you play where you come from?" Mirium asked.

Neither of the boys were much into games, least of all Jesus. There was a reason he was on the pudgy side. He preferred rest over exertion.

Though both of the boys had lived rather sheltered lives, John would compete in races with other boys at public holidays. For the most part, however, they had to make do with just themselves as friends. Games were not a big part of their lives.

What games do you play?" Jesus asked Mirium.

Her voice lowered, as if she needed to keep her game playing on the down low.

"I like to play Hounds and Jackals." She looked over at her father still engaged in conversation with Eran. "And I have these," she said. Mirium produced a small pair of wooden dice. "My father thinks they are a waste of time, and would be upset with me if he knew I had them. But I enjoy throwing them. I will show how when we are alone."

The boys had never seen dice before. Jesus found them intriguing and looked to see if John showed any interest. John's expression was disapproving. Jesus could not imagine why.

"It looks like a girls' game to me," John said with his customary bluster. You two girls can play, but I prefer games that perfect my manly qualities and make me strong and cunning," he said, throwing a sneering look at Jesus.

Overhearing, Mary wondered what John was getting at by emphasizing his maleness so bluntly. None of the men in their household, including Eran, made comments like that. She wondered if John was referring to Jesus's secret. Had John learned about it? Was he using that knowledge against Jesus to prove his own worth? She would speak to Eran to see what he thought. He understood the boys pretty well.

Mirium laughed at John's comment and rolled her eyes. "Women are far superior to men. Life teaches us to overlook men's shortcomings. In this way, we enjoy many things that men cannot because of their fear of the feminine." She looked at Jesus who was trying not to laugh. It was clear that she had aimed her comments directly at John, and had not meant them as compliments. There was no one nearby to take his side, so he sulked and quickly finished his meal. As soon as he was done, John got up and left the room. He could hear Mirium and Jesus laughing together as he left to explore the village alone.

(End of Chapter 24)