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ROGUES: TALES FROM THE VALLEY Rogues story series: Dawn channels her inner porcupine As she fights back her doubts about getting in touch with her inner entities Comment By Lyda Woods for the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Lyda Woods for the Tidings Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 11:47 AM Updated Dec 29, 2014 at 1:44 PM By Lyda Woods for the Tidings Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 11:47 AM Updated Dec 29, 2014 at 1:44 PM » RELATED CONTENT • Part 16: Howling good time at a wolf moon conclave • Part 15: Into the belly of the Black Sheep • Laying out the dots, looking for connections • Talking turkey: What's in a nickname? • Squeezing psyches in the aisles at Shop’n Kart • Sibling rivalry spices lunch, but affection sweetens it » Social News Part 14 of the fictionalized adventures of two sisters, Sherry and Dawn, one Medford-bred, the other Ashland-loving, and their adventures across the Rogue Valley. The stories appear on Tuesdays. Find prior chapters at www.dailytidings.com. (The installment number has been corrected to Part 14 from Part 13.)  A few days ago, Josh invited me to meet Jed Nutlinger’s sister, Druantia, whom he used to date, who might provide insight into Jed’s motive’s for kidnapping Sherry. I’d also gone over investigation strategies with Blue to learn more about the house bombings. Josh picked me up Saturday at 10 a.m. to go to the Ashland Community Center, where Druantia was leading a workshop on channeling one’s inner entities, whatever that meant. Although I had deep suspicions about the veracity of channels, séances, psychics, ouija boards, tarot cards, and crystals, I could also see how one might use these tools to explore aspects of self. But whether one gained true insight or suffered fantastic delusions depended entirely on the person. Josh was more open-minded and it would be rude to press my point of view. I was an observer, determined to be respectful, like an anthropologist in Ashlantis. We walked into a packed room, registered, and sat down in the back. After a few moments, Druantia appeared on stage. “You are right where you need to be to start the next stage of your journey. Welcome,” said Druantia, in a resonant, husk-to-honey voice. She was a striking-looking young woman with waist-length red, wavy hair, wearing shibori silks cut to flatter her well-upholstered figure. “Let’s all start with a meditation. Quietly ask your higher self to remember what voices brought you here today.” Druantia strolled through the audience making eye contact and touching shoulders. “Do we really have to sit through the entire three hours just to talk to her?” I asked Josh. “I recommend it,” Josh whispered. So I hung on through the aura pruning, guided imagery and other things. But when Druantia began discussing fate, I got prickly. “We are the navigators of our destiny. We are in charge of our own fates, no one else,” Druantia intoned melodically. “Tell that to the victims of genocide, rape and murder” I grumbled, Josh jabbing me in the ribs. Finally, Druantia met with us backstage, during a break. Even so, I was going to need to mollify my biting brain with something wet as soon as possible. “Josh tells me you have questions about my brother, Jed.” Druantia crossed her ankles gracefully. “Yes, Jed kidnapped my sister and I’d like to learn why.” I said, in my most humble voice, despite my inner porcupine quills quivering. “I have a restraining order against him, you know that Josh. I just can’t have that energy in my life.” Druantia flushed pink and fanned herself with a workshop program. “Yes, Dru, but could you tell us about who he is and why you avoid him?” Josh sat next to her on the small couch and took her hand in his. “All I know is that Jed was involved in some kind of scheme. He was always looking for underground ways to make money, off the grid. And when he got high, he stole from me.” She squeezed Josh’s hand and leaned into his shoulder. “Did Jed know how to make pipe bombs?” I asked. “Jed was a master plumber and good with his hands. Does that help?” Druantia looked at her watch and stood up. “One last question. Who were Jed’s friends?” I asked. “Jed used to hang out with this guy named Kenny Green who was a fire dancer, if I remember right. I’ve really got to go.” “Thanks so much for your help.” I watched Josh lead her back to the stage like a knight ushering a princess.       By Lyda Woods for the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Lyda Woods for the Tidings Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 11:47 AM Updated Dec 29, 2014 at 1:44 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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