Clarity

"Hello, child," she says.
Not knowing what to say, I simply bow my head in respect.
"So, you have finally made it, I see."
"Made it?"
"Yes. I have been waiting for you."
"How did you know I was coming here?"
"My friends keep me informed. In fact, I think you know one of them."
"Really? Which one?"
"Take a moment, child, and think about it. I am certain you know."
So, taking her direction, I think back to everyone I have met...trying to pinpoint anyone who stands out.
"You mean he was..."
"Yes, my dear. He was there to guide you."
I think to myself, "Damn, that should have been more obvious."
I ask, "Why am I here?"
"You are here to learn. I am here to guide you." Seeing my slightly confused look, she adds, "I will not teach you, because you already know. I am only here to help you discover this knowledge deep inside you."
"Oh. Okay. This sounds interesting. Where do we begin?"
"Right here, right now. But first, follow me over this way." She starts walking back in the direction from which she came. I follow, not knowing what else to do. As we make it to the spot where I saw her, we go over a small hill. I notice a field of rather large tents (or, what I think are tents). She leads me to a specific one....though, somehow, I knew exactly where we were going.
"Sit down over here," she says and points to a space on the floor.
I sit and she hands me a drink. I was not water. I do not know what it was, exactly, but it was a slightly sweet or fruity drink. I could not decide which.
"Drink everything. It will give you energy for everything we are going to be doing."
I finish every last drop in the cup, and hand it back to her.
"You need not know my name, child. Just know that we are connected. Everything you discover today will help you in your long quest."
"Long quest?" I am puzzled.
"Worry not, my dear. You will find out in due time. Shall we begin?"
"No better time than the present."
"Quite true, child. More than you would think. Now, find a comfortable seating position in which you can sit for a long time without becoming uncomfortable. If you want, you may even lean up against the wall for support."
I turn around and look at the wall thinking "How is a tent wall going to support me?"
"Don't worry. That wall will support you quite nicely. Go ahead. Try it."
I slide back to the wall and lean against it. Surprisingly, I do not fall backwards into the sand. Somehow the wall is quite solid.
"Good. Now, if you would kindly close your eyes, we will begin. I will take you on a journey. All you need to do is follow my voice. Oh, and please tell me if you need more time on any part. This discovery meditation is meant for you and should be set at your pace. Now, I think I have already figured that out, but there is always at least one spot..."
I close my eyes and try to let my body relax a little bit.
"Very good. Now, answer me this. You must be completely honest. Do you trust that I know how far to go and that I will not cause you any harm?"
I think about her question for a moment before answering.
"Yes, wise one. I know that what you say is true. I know I must do this. Please, begin."
"Very well. Remember, only focus on my voice and what I am saying. Imagine yourself walking in a very large wooded field.  You come to a small clearing and see that there is one specific tree that catches your eye. In front of that tree, is a large rock. As you approach the rock, you see the eagle that is perched there. He is waiting for you. Walk up to the rock and hold out your hand."
I do as she says, and the eagle bows it's head to me, allowing me to approach. I take a step closer and I run my hand through its feathers.
"Excellent. Well done. Now, I want you to raise yourself onto his back as soon as he communicates that he is ready."
I watch him carefully as he watches me. After a few moments he lowers himself, almost crouching. Without truly understanding how I managed, I float myself up into the air and lower gently onto his back.
"You are doing exceedingly well. Remember, do not doubt yourself. Follow your feelings. The eagle will now take you somewhere. Once there, we will continue."
The eagle takes off and soars high into the sky. It is the most amazing sensation I have ever experienced. After a moment, I suddenly realize what my quest will be once I finish the meditation...