By Morgan, Nessa, Killian, lyea, Kaie, Nox, and Istas
Written in August 2004
Posted October 21st, 2004
Part 1 The Gift
By Morgan
Queen Morgan stood from her chair where she sat at the center of the long table set up to accommodate
the Tribe. She was stunning in the burgundy-colored, silk dress which was fastened at one shoulder with
an old Celtic pin. It draped down over her round breasts, revealing nipples formed beneath the fabric and
cascaded from there to her sandaled feet. Her earrings were silver. The design was a triskeli set in silver
circles. She wore a matching necklace.
Nessa the Druid sat beside the Fianna. She was dressed in an official fashion with many beads, talismans
and glass mirrors wrapped strategically around her. Her hair was almost tamed with warrior braids. No one
ever saw her look this way before and yet it seemed so natural to everyone.
Quietness spread through the hall of Grandmother's Hut when Morgan stood to address the Tribe.
"Today marks the official naming of Nessa the warrior to Nessa the Druid of Morgan's tribe." Morgan
reached down and gestured for Nessa to stand. As the Druid complied, the crowd thundered applause
and approval.
Morgan spoke again. "Our official Horse leader and speaker may present me my gift now." Just then,
Dera Marius walked into the hall followed by the most magnificent white Lipizzan ever seen by any in that
company. Dera Marius bowed low and said "I give you this gift from Epona to me and from me to you,
beloved Queen."
Tears rolled from the Fianna's face at the simple and beautiful meaning. "Thank you and the Goddess
Epona.
I shall honor you both by the use and companionship of this gift" she said.
Then Morgan held up her hand to silence hoots and cheers. "This day also marks the holy day of Mabon
which is a thankfulness of the end of harvest and the bounty it provides. Our hunters have dried meats
stored in our smoke houses. Our stores of grain and vegetables are full. We will be braced for the winter
to come. Now eat and play your instruments. Laugh and dance with the joy of life, thanking the great
Spirits in your steps." Morgan sat and the festivities began.
tbc
Celebration
Part 2
By Killian
Killian sat next to her sister, dressed in lavender dyed doeskin halter, and skirt, with sandals wrapped up to
her calf. Silver jewels adorned her arms, neck and ears. She wore upper armbands with the same triskeli
symbol as her sister.
Caitlin sat next to her in all black, from silk shirt, to soft leather pants, with one silver chain around her neck
bearing the same triskeli as the other women.
Killian leaned over to her sister and whispered softly, "Darling, the Horse is a Lipizzan. You mentioned the
herb Lippitor that I use in my healing remedies. I know you know all, my sister," Killian said with a barely
contained chuckle, "But it is good to know that even you can err from time to time." Killian patted
Morgan's hand softly.
Killian
Celebration
Part 3 One Final Gift
By Kaie
Kaie stood proudly next to the Lippizan, adorned in her knee high soft leather boots, a matching soft
brown doe skin short top and pants, and her brilliant scarlet cloak shining in the torchlight. She whispered
to Killian with a giggle, "Shhhh! don't point it out, I kind of like the name Lippetor for her." She smiled at
the indignant snort that came from above her as the mare shook her head. Silver gleamed in the torchlight
from the single braid Kaie placed in her mane earlier, woven with silver chains and adorned with a triskeli to
match her rider.
As the celebration began around them Kaie stepped closer to the table to be heard. "I have something I
want to share with you too Killian, and with Nessa the Druid." She waited for Morgan who nodded with a
smile for her to continue and grinned in return at the anxious look on Killian's face.
"Epona granted one other gift some time ago but I… well everyone involved that is, decided to wait until
things were a little more calm to present it. Now that everyone seems to have found a place I was told to
pass the knowledge on tonight." She looked to both the Druid who indeed held a special place here and
then to Killian, her friend and the closest thing to a sister she ever knew.
"Ahem, well you know Epona was grateful for the healing and the rescue you both gave me that day in the
woods, and she wished to reward the others involved also, Flame and Tuttle."
Killian edged closer to the edge of her seat, obviously not one to wait patiently for surprises. Caitlin
raised an inquisitive eyebrow and the Druid merely sat patiently waiting.
"After speaking to Tuttle and Flame they came to an agreement of sorts. Being a war horse and all,
Tuttle preferred to have her blood line carried on but it was Flame that decided to carry the foal for the
two of them."
"Lass, having been around the mares a bit surely you know by now that would be a bit on the impossible
side for the two of them to manage right?" There were laughs all around when the Druid spoke and Kaie
blushed deeply as she tended to do.
"Alright Dera marius, is this some sort of prank of yours?" Kaie nodded a very firm negative to Caitlin
before Morgan waved them all to silence and gestured for Kaie to continue. She smiled brightly at the
Queen for her help.
"Well, Epona IS the Goddess of fertility and horses and all and so it can be managed. In fact it was. The
foal will carry the blood of both Flame and Tuttle."
"A foal? You're saying MY Flame is carrying a foal right now as we speak?" Kaie grinned at the
incredulous look on Killian's face.
"Haven't you noticed she's getting a little heavier Killy? Not that I would DARE tell her that. But yes,
it's been several months now so she has about seven more to go before the birth. They both wished you to
hear about it tonight now that things are… calmer."
Kaie
Celebration
Part 4 One Final Gift
By Killian
Killian sat for a moment, eyes closed, deep in thought. ‘Could this be? Could Epona have gifted them in
such a loving and delightful way?’ The enigmatic Goddess still mystified the young Shamaness. Epona
could be cruel and heartless on one day, and the most generous Goddess imaginable, the very next. It
confused Killian. She tried hard to understand the Goddess, for she was Kaie’s grandmother, and Kaie
meant so very much to her. She would do anything for Kaie, and now, it seemed, she had something of her
own to wrap her mind around.
Killian felt Epona in the room, as well as Kaie’s mother, Brianne. They both hovered over the giddy girl
like twin beacons of light… Killian wished she could show Kaie that they were right there with her, but she
knew she only could if the young Horsewoman ever decided to ask. Killian wasn’t allowed to offer
information without invitation, and Kaie hadn’t invited her. For the present, the young psychic had to
simply enjoy the happiness emanating from Brianne and Epona, as the Dera Marius spoke.
Yes, Kaie was indeed correct, Flame was with foal, a mare, black as midnight, with a white mane, tail, and
stockings. On her tiny forehead was an almost perfectly shaped diamond of white. Killian felt it’s little life,
clear and healthy, she smiled up at Nessa, who looked equally as pleased. Kaie was standing, nervously
waiting for some reply.
Killian hugged Kaie with all the light she could muster. “Kaie, my Sister, you honor Nessa and I with this
offering. Grace will be pleased with Epona’s brilliant gift, on this night. You are such a gift to us, Kaie. I
can’t wait to have you teach our little filly how to live in Morgan’s Tribe.”
Killian stepped back, and began for Kaie, what became a thunderous applause from the entire Tribe.
Killian
Celebration
Part 5
Despair and a Choice.
By Lyea
Lyea left the merriment of the tribe behind her, as she flew beyond
the area where the huts were, headed towards the lake. She was
restless, feeling edgy and bratty these days. She knew that Ash was
ready to give her a sound spanking, and with
good reason. Between
covering Nessa with manure, wrestling with Kaie and giving her a mud
bath, and talking back to everyone in the tribe, she surely deserved
it. She was generally more laid back than she had been lately. She
was not sure why she was feeling so at a loss and so oddly
impetuous. Flying between the trees, she decided to leave for a
while for some quiet time.
As she flew along, she realized with a start that the trees were
changing color. The loving greens of the leaves were turning into
golden shades of the cool days of fall. She shuddered slightly,
thinking that she had never before, in her two hundred odd years,
not paid close attention to the trees and seasons. A creature of the
forest, and a wood nymph at that, should never be out of touch with
the earth and Her seasons. She reached out and touched a tree as she
passed, feeling its warmth and life, and felt a pang as she thought
of how long it had been that she had been away from home.
After Ash had claimed her and made her the warriors own, they had
traveled away from the forest that lyea loved so much, so that Ash
could be closer to her kind as well. As they traveled from lyea's
place of birth, she felt a part of herself dimming forever, as the
forest that had given birth to her was left behind. But this new
love that had taken over her soul was worth it, and she would not
turn back. With grim determination, she decided that she could live
anywhere Ash could live, even if it meant losing a bit of her self
in the process.
She made it to the lake, and sat down on a rock that faced both the
trees and the lake. Shaking off the memories, she took a deep breath
and closed her eyes, letting her wings move with the breeze. She
could smell the earth, the sweet scent of the water, the musk of the
animals of the forest, and, in the faint draft, the change in the
weather. Fall was coming. She let herself fall into that deep
meditation that usually calmed her as she walked the faerie realms..
She saw herself traveling down a long dirt path, surrounded by a
dense forest. It was home. She knew it without knowing a single
thing in it. She could feel the vibration of the very trees, birds
and butterflies down to her soul. The power of home made her quake.
But she kept going down the path, sometimes walking, sometimes
flying, feeling the trees sway in welcome as she passed by. She
heard a rustling and looked to her left. There, hidden among the
elms, was a tall female elf. The elf stepped out, hailing her with a
small upraised hand.
"Hello, small one. What are you doing so far from home, here in the
faerie realms?"
"I just sat to meditate, and the Mother brought me home, here, I
mean." lyea faltered.
"Ah," said the tall, beautiful female elf. "So you are the little
wood nymph who left with the human so long ago?"
Stunned, lyea could only nod.
The elf nodded sagely and said, "I've been expecting you. You will
not like what you will find, wood nymph. The forest has changed. I
wait here, in this forest, watching for others of our kind to pass,
making sure that they don't stumble into something they don't want
to see and can not escape. But I too will be leaving soon."
"What do you mean? What kind of changes? Our kind? What other kind
would there be here?"
With a deep sigh, the elf stepped forward and patted her own
shoulder, motioning the nymph upward. "Come, little one. We knew
that the priestess of the forest would come back to check on it
eventually. It is time to see why you were called away."
And with that, they set off down the path at a speed much greater
than the speed the nymph could have managed herself. When they
arrived to the part of the forest that the wood nymph began to
recognize, she felt a small sense of dread begin to prick her
shoulders. The trees were damaged, limbs torn and gouged, some
felled and rotting. Here and there she saw small fairies darting in
and out of the branches getting their belongings out, preparing to
move to another tree, perhaps another forest.
"I don't understand." she started.
"Shhhh. Soon," said the elf.
And suddenly the elf side stepped into the trees and brush, blending
in perfectly. A moment later a group of men traipsed by, a woman
being pushed and bullied between them, tears coursing down her
cheeks. They were coarse and drunken, and stank of rot. lyea could
sense rotting meat, and they all had the stench of it. Her eyes
narrowed as they pawed at the woman between them, and then went out
of sight on the path beyond. The elf turned her head to look at the
nymph on her shoulder.
"Humans. They have taken over a massive area of the forest. They
treat their women worse than dogs. Most of us of the fairy world are
departing for the realms beyond. Humans are just too much for us.
They destroy everything in their path, and then if they do capture
us, they make us slaves or play things." The grief in the elf's face
was obvious, and lyea lay her head against that of the elf.
"I didn't know. I didn't know," lyea whispered.
"You left. You left with a human, didn't you? They say you left with
a warrior woman, a dark warrior who raped you and forced you away
from the forest. We knew you hadn't died because your tree remained
alive. But we knew that you would come back. It was written in the
leaves."
"Serina?" lyea asked, afraid for her long time elvin friend.
The elf laughed harshly, an ugly guttural sound from such a
beautiful creature.
"Gone. She left you a letter, in your tree. She was one of the first
to take her little harem across to the faerie realms. She always did
stick up for you. There is nothing more for you here, little one.
Nor for any of us. If you see any of your people, tell them to
leave, run, to the faerie realms with the rest of us. Our magic is
not for humans. Our world is not for humans. You should come with
us, when you can. If you are here, it means you can get across. We
could use a priestess like you, little one. The humans have their
own. You were taken by one of them to show you what they are capable
of. Come, when you can."
And with that, she reached up, and gently placed the wood nymph on
the nearest tree branch, caressing her cheek gently before turning
away and quickly making her way back through the forest.
lyea felt the tears coursing down her face as she thought of her
beautiful mountain home, ruined. Of the lake where she had first
seen Ash, laying hurt across the way. Of the elves, the fairies, the
nymphs, the gnomes and trolls, the naiads and dryads. She turned,
and, nearly blinded by tears, flew to her tree, ignoring the sounds
of raucous revelry below her, knowing that because she was visiting
here in the realm of the faerie, she would not be noticed by those
beneath.
When she arrived at her tree, she gasped at its despair nearly
choking in grief. She landed on it gently, feeling its pain and
weakness. It was damaged, limbs torn from the base as far up as the
men could reach without a ladder. She reached out and hugged it with
all her small might, her wings enfolding it as well, her tears
cascading down its rough, burdened bark. Her sobs shook her small
body, and she let all of her sorrow flow into the only tree she had
ever truly called home.
Exhausted, she lay her cheek against the bark and just listened to
it for a long time. She felt its pain as the men had tried to hack
it down with their wicked axes and tools, felt its agony when they
had torn its limbs down for no other reason than for sport. But
still, it would not give in, waiting for her return, so that it
could say goodbye. At this, she began to cry once more, asking it
for forgiveness and telling it how sorry she was. Its leaves rustled
and a branch came to touch her head gently. It had given her its
forgiveness, and its love. It told her to claim her belongings from
inside, because it was time for her to go back home, to her new
family.
The tears still streaming down her face, she climbed up a branch and
opened the small door that allowed her access into the home she had
been born in. She had forgotten about all of the fairy clothes, the
spinning done by experts who could use dew drops and spider web to
weave the rainbows of the flowers and leaves into beautiful
clothing. She gathered them all up, placing Serina's letter on top,
wrapping them tightly into a leaf bag, and, hanging her head,
stepped out of the door for the last time.
Placing her head against the tree once more, she softly
whispered, "I will always love you, old friend. Let your spirit
depart with the others for the faerie realm. There you will find a
new tree to help grow into a beautiful old elm like this one, and
raise another child as you did me." And she heard the whisper as the
tree willingly gave up its soul, saw the leaves all rustle upward as
its spirit left for the faerie realm, and she felt only a solid,
regular lump of bark beneath her hands.
With that, she flew off, feeling her heart break as she spoke softly
to others along the way, urging them to hurry and get their things
as they headed off to the stream that would carry them to the faerie
lands.
When she got back to the place where she had entered her path, she
knew that she had a choice. She could keep going. She could go to
the faerie lands right now, and leave her body behind, becoming a
true spirit of nature, as her beloved tree had just done.
But she shook her head, knowing that she could not give up Ash, nor
could she give up the new family she had found in the tribe, even if
some of them were human. For it was as the elf said, she knew what
they were capable of. She had Istas, who was a creature of the
forest, after all, and Nox, with her mist, and, well, so many of the
other women who were so much a part of Gaia. These women were made
of strength, love, and life. Yes, she would go back to her cherished
Ash, knowing that the Mother would provide a priestess for the
faerie realm.
lyea left the faerie realm, and opened her eyes to the bright, warm
sunlight, facing the tree and the shimmering lake. She wiped the
salty tears from her face, all of the edgy feeling gone, but a
profound sadness in her soul. Her world had changed dramatically,
and fall was upon her.
Thus, lyea started the fall equinox, the descent of the days into
darkness.
lyea
Celebration
Part 6
By Istas
Istas watched for Lyea. Istas sat in leopard form waiting for Lyea to emerge from the fairies realm. She
knew that Lyea had a difficult decision to make. Istas would be there to support her sister of the forest.
Istas
Celebration
Part 7
by Morgan
The feast was elegant; the merriment of the tribe denoted a sense of joy all around. Morgan spoke softly
into Nessa's ear. Her Druid nodded with understanding. Morgan left the table. Every eye in the room, at
one moment or another, caught a glimpse of the exquisite Queen walking with high head. Her dress flowed
perfectly over her body revealing just enough of her shape underneath to cause a clenching of the lower
regions of several tribal members.
Morgan stepped to Kaie gazing at the amazing young woman then up at the magnificent, fully white
Lippizan. Tears blurred her vision when she saw "the single braid Kaie placed in her mane earlier, woven with
silver chains and adorned with a triskeli to match her rider." The Fianna whispered, “I have never seen such a
beautiful Animal except for Epona, herself, and that was at a distance too great to see much detail. She
turned back to the shy young Horsewoman who held regal bearing within her being like a stem holds water…
naturally. She spoke with that rich resonating softness that marked her station saying, “Dera Marias you
honor me with this gift and humble me with your presence among us.
Dera Marius bowed low saying, “My sacred bow, arrows, other weapons and my service are yours Queen
Morgan.” The Horsewoman did not have to have eyes in the back of her head to sense the bristle of pride
coming from Caitlin at this display of respect and honor to their Queen.
Morgan again turned to the beautiful Lipizzan. She stroked the soft nose and spoke in the old language
to the equine. “You are Niamh (silent ‘h’) whose name means ‘beauty’ after the daughter of the great Faery
Queen of Tir-nan-Og (Avalon). I will ride with you when the moon is highest on this night my Niamh. The
beautiful one understood Morgan’s communication in some way that was not quite as Kaie’s but served as
true to be sure. Intelligence sparkled from Niamh’s eyes. She nodded, turned and pranced regally from the
hall and found her way to her own stall in the stable where the night stable hand let her in, to await the one
to whom she would be loyal until death and perhaps beyond.
Nessa stood silently as her lover returned to her place at the table. The Druid was still attempting to wrap
her mind around the thought that her Tuttle, her mare was a sire now to a blessed foal growing in Flame.
She was stunned but not disbelieving. She knew of such things and the possibilities given the right
combination of Goddesses and true feeling involved. A prayer of her own began to formulate in that
Druid mind of hers. Nessa had much to do while Morgan was on her midnight ride and even more to do when
she returned. The Queens words brought her out of her reverie.
“Will you sit now and eat with me my love? What has your deeper attentions?” Morgan asked quizzically.
“Is it some Druid vision I should know about?”.
Nessa smiled, “Not quite yet, Morgan. But I do have a gift for you.” She left the great hall in
Grandmother’s hut with Chikara San. Together they returned with a black leather saddle crafted by the
talented Samurai. Celtic design was tooled in silver all around the borders of the fine leather saddle. All
the necessary finery was crafted from the finest silver. The contrast on the black leather was striking.
Chikara San Bowed low and asked if Morgan approved.
The Queen was overwhelmed at this latest gift from her lover and her Second to Chief of Warriors. “It is
too beautiful and I do so approve dear Chikara San and my Druid. Let us start some music now and jig to
our heart’s content!” The music started and the revelry livened considerably. No one but Caitlin and
Morgan were aware that Killian slipped away from the festivities on Morgan’s request.
Tbc
Morgan
Celebration
Part 7
Choices Made in the Light
By Killian
Killian felt the soft breeze touch her face at the same time Morgan did. Both Sisters looked at each other
with a knowing only shared between blood bonded psychics. A chill slid up Killian's spine, and she
trembled. Morgan covered Killian's hand with her own. She whispered softly in Killian’s ear.
"Sister, will you please step outside with me for a few moments? I will need your assistance in helping with
what we both just experienced. Nessa is busy with the celebration, and I can't leave right now. You,
however, may go in my stead. Will you do that for me?
Killian's fear of what her psychic mind saw, was taken from her by Morgan’s touch, thus she stood clear
eyed and ready to do any bidding of the Fianna. "Yes, my Queen, I will go freshen up, and meet you
outside, where I will be fully ready to take instruction on the mission you will send me on"
Morgan smiled at the ever expanding adaptability of her Sister. She was a true daughter of the Welsh
Woods. Morgan was proud to call her family.
"Alright, you go, and I will be waiting for you."
~~~
Killian arrived at the shore of Latis Lake just as lyea was returning from her spiritual journey. It always
astonished Killian when she was seen as taller than anyone, human or otherwise. The psychic healer, along
with her Sister saw everything lyea experienced, through their strong link with the wood nymph. Killian was
as horrified as lyea, and wondered to her Sister how humans could behave this way. Morgan held Killian as
the empathic wept for lyea’s agony. Killian hadn’t yet learned to keep a healthy distance from another’s
pain, in order to fully assist the sufferer. This was not the time, but Morgan knew Killian needed Nessa’s
Shamaness training to begin in earnest, soon, for the psychic’s abilities were outpacing her human skills to
cope with the consequences of so much knowledge. The Druid would be able to help her, now that the
Druid made the choice to face her demons, and face Morgan herself. Morgan smiled as she held Killian.
She sent a silent prayer to Grace, thanking her for returning the precious Druid to her, along with her
Sister.
Morgan spoke softly to Killian.
“You must go to lyea lass. Show her how much love is here for her. Remind her with your remarkable
empathic abilities that some humans do still care for the Earth and All her beings. Show her deep and
abiding love, as only you can, Killian. Carry her home, and put her to bed. Ash is here with us, reveling, and
probably didn’t know of her little jaunt. We don’t need to clue her in now, for fear that it may trigger
discipline she doesn’t need quite yet. Stay with her, holding her until she feels safe enough to sleep. She
may need some herbal assistance, so take your medicine bag with you.”
Morgan continued.” Killian, I don’t think this will happen, but if for some reason she fights you, and refuses
to do as you ask, put her across your knee for a swift and sound spanking, then bring her directly to me.
Understood?”
Killian stammered, “I’ve only spanked one person before, Morgan.”
Morgan smiled. “Killian, I doubt it will happen, but we need to help lyea quickly. If she needs to negatively
act out to feel safe, by getting attention, I plan to give her that attention myself, directly, if necessary. I’m
hoping it won’t have to happen. But I will not lose this girl to her sorrow, or her painful losses.
This is what we do, Killian, you and I, and Nessa. We not only look after the welfare of the Tribe in making
sure the food stores are full, and the boundaries safely guarded. We three are the spiritual tenders of our
people. We care for them when they have horrific things happen, like lyea did tonight. We comfort, caress,
and help be a container for their pain. You can do this Killian. I believe in you.
~~~
Killian approached lyea slowly, as she would a wounded bird.
“May I sit, lyea?”
“Yes” answered the subdued nymph.
The two beings sat on the rock in silence as the sun rose over Latis Lake, shimmering softly over the misty
dawn.
Finally, lyea put her small hand in Killian’s and laid her head against Killian’s arm. Killian slowly turned,
gently picking up the little nymph.
Lyea’s eyes were pools of wonder again. “You saw it all, didn’t you, Killian.”
Killian touched her lips to lyea’s soft cheek. “Yes, my friend. I am sorry on behalf of my species. There are
no words for the shame I feel being one of them.” Fresh tears spilled from Killian’s eyes as she carried lyea
to her Hut.
“I know not all of you are the same, Killy.” Lyea wiped away a tear. “I don’t blame you, or our Sisters for
what they wrought on my home.”
“Still” Killian couldn’t contain her sadness.
Lyea put her fingers to Killian’s lips. “Shh, Let’s not speak of it again. It is done, and my choice is to be
with you all.” Lyea snuggled in closer to Killian as they walked.
Killian smiled at the ancient sprite’s perseverance.
Lyea smiled up at Killian as the psychic acted like a human pillow.
“Hey, do ya think this’ll get us out of that spanking Caitlin and Ash have planned for us?
Killian chuckled. “If anyone could get us out of it, it would be you, you little charmer. I know Caitlin can be
talked out of spanking you after what you went through. But me? Well, I still got one comin’. You’ll have
to tell me about Ash. You’ve been through a lot. I will talk to Ash if you think it will help. Hey, we’ll have to
have Kaie sew you your own ‘sore bottom pillow.’ She and I already have one. You will definitely be
needing one too.”
Both beings chuckled as the dawn crept into the Hut, and finally lyea faded into an easy and dreamless
sleep, thanks to the healing tea Killian brewed before tucking the somber wood nymph into bed.
End part 7 Celebration: Choices Made In The Light
Killian
Celebration
Part 8
By lyea
Choices Made In The Light
After Killian left, lyea opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. Istas had been there, in the shadows,
when she had come out of her journey. She knew it; felt her; welcomed the other fairy creature’s presence.
But she faded back when Killian came, making herself scarce. Lyea could not help but wonder why Istas
chose to leave instead of coming forward. She appreciated the beautiful cat woman’s coming to her in her
time of need, and would seek her out as soon as she got up in the daylight.
She thought of the loving arms of Killian, and the soft way in which her friend carried her back to camp. It
took much of the pain and turned it from a roar into a dull ache. Lyea knew in time it would become a painful
memory only, and the love of her tribe and her warrior would eclipse the shadow of that anguish.
She decided she would do all she could to bring light, happiness and joy to the tribe from now on. Be it
through her fairy magic, her joy in weaving, or her, well, mischievous ways, she would make the others in the
tribe laugh at life.
lyea
Celebration
Part9
Slipping out
By Nox
Nox stayed at the celebration long enough to eat and socialize a little, then quietly paid Her respects to
Lady Morgan and the Druid and slipped out into the night. She didn't have anything against celebrations,
but, She could only take them for a small amount of time before the walls started to close in on Her. It did
not matter who the other guests were, inevitably the moment would come when She could no longer make
Herself remain. She made Her way to Her quarters and changed out of Her party clothes. After She was
suitably attired, She made Her way to the stables.
Khaos showed how happy he was to see Her by sneezing all over Her. "Bloody beast. Good to see you
too. Looks like you are being very well taken care of here."
She wiped horse slobber off Her face and slipped a bridle on him before leading him outside. Nox climbed
up on him and off they rode, his hoofs sending up little clouds of dust; the mist trailing behind Her. They
rode until Khaos decided they should stop and again he had taken Her to the lake.
"What is it with you and this place?"
Nox dismounted and patted Khaos' strong neck. Since She was there, a quiet swim seemed a fine idea.
She stripped and gracefully dove into the water. She swam for several minutes then flipped over on Her
back and floated under the glow of the moon. Khaos had brought Her here several times since their arrival.
Some of those nights, She wished for company; other times, anything but. This night however, had a feel
to it that Nox could not quite describe.
She knew part of it was Her low tolerance for crowds and to Nox anything over four people, including
Herself, was a crowd. Part of it was Her discomfort with occasions where all was sweetness and light,
something life had shown Her too many times was just an illusion. Part of it was the fact that Her old demon
was beginning to stir, She had felt the first growing twinges when She dove into the water, though thanks
to Chikara's purple tea, it had stayed at bay much longer than She had learned to expect. She would have
to speak to the woman about learning to make the tea Herself and thank her for the respite.
Nox was not one to share Her pain, or the things it did to Her, not only physically but what it did inside
Her, inside Her soul. She had, long ago, tried sharing it with others only to find out others really didn't
want to know, nor did they understand. On the outside Nox knew it rarely showed, though when it was bad
She limped noticeably. Having it not show, was not the same, as having it not there. She wished that Her
back and left leg would glow or something. She wished sometimes just to find someone who did understand,
someone She could share it with, someone who didn't always expect Her to act like a big brave warrior.
She wondered if such a person even existed. Nox wasn't talking about a mate or a submissive, just someone
who understood what toll the demon took on Her body and Her spirit.
Nox slid from the water onto the bank and laid there staring at the moon, as the night air dried Her. Since
She was a child, there had always been something about the pale glow of the moon that both excited and
soothed Her...that had not changed as She aged, nor did She think it ever would. Nights of late held a
slight chill, but parts of Her would begin to complain about it if She remained in it too long, so She
reluctantly dressed and Khaos and Her headed back to the camp. After giving him a couple apples and
getting another sneeze in thanks, this one She was quick enough to duck, She said good night to Her
companion and returned to Her quarters.
She built a fire in the hearth, undressed and crawled into bed. If She was lucky, She could get a few hours
rest before the demon came fully out of hiding. If not, it was going to be a very long night.
Nox
Celebration
Part 10
The Darby Charm
By Nessa
Off and on through most of the celebration, Nessa noticed a difference in Nox's gate and carriage as the
evening wore on. The Lady of the trailing mist showed in her countenance a shift to darker shades than
before. Just after Nox bowed that sweeping bow and bid Morgan and herself goodnight, Nessa decided
to go for a stroll herself. She leaned against a hitching post puffing on a long-stemmed clay pipe and
watched as Nox headed for the stables.
The Druid mounted Tuttle bare-back and without bridle in pursuit of Khaos and Nox. Given Nox's more
recent ventures she figured Latis Lake to be their destination. She quietly dismounted and whispered to
Tuttle to graze for a bit. Nessa parted the reeds at the edge of the water for a very nice look at a
beautiful but suffering body. She closed her eyes and felt the naked woman's thoughts:
{Part of it was Her discomfort with occasions where all was sweetness and light, something life had shown
Her too many times was just an illusion.}
Nessa understood how difficult it must be for one such as Nox, living with a pain so constant, just about
anything other than that pain would seem an illusion. However, the Druid knew that many of the Tribal
sisters have seen enough bitterness and darkness to welcome a little sweetness and light for one evening at
the very least.
Nessa continued to listen to her mind:
{Nox was not one to share Her pain, or the things it did to Her, not only physically but what it did inside
Her, inside Her soul. She had, long ago, tried sharing it with others only to find out others really didn't
want to know, nor did they understand}.
Familiar pangs of feeling just this way herself, shot through Nessa like an arrow. Not wanting to share her
pain in any way to any one was what her warrior pride taught her. What she didn't know was that her pain
was obvious to all who came in contact with her. She also recalled the view that others didn't really want to
know about her pain or understand her at all. What she learned from Druid humility and good old
experience was that it is very hard to understand what is going on behind a closed door. But that was
something that came to her in it's own time... when the pain was unbearable. It saddened her to know that
this may have to be the case for Nox as well.
Like Nox, the Druid's deepest desire during her time before finding Morgan, was to be understood by
someone she could be safely vulnerable with. But for now, she could see that Nox was preparing to return
to her hut. Nessa wanted to do something for the Lady and not knowing exactly what that something was,
she reached up to the vest she wore and fingered a single charm. It was the charm of the Darby, an ancient
Gaelic word for "Free". Nessa struck her flint against the charm and watched it glow brightly in blue and
purple hues. Her petition was that Nox would be pain "Free" at least for one night.
Nessa
Celebration
Part11
Respite
By Nox
Nox awoke, the sun already high in the sky, the camp full of the sounds of acitivity. She had slept away
most of the morning, somehow She had actually slept. She recalled no dreams, only a face, but one of the
very few faces She trusted. Nox rose, expecting the normal morning battle with the demon and found, much
to Her surprise and delight, that She could actually straighten all the way up without wanting to bite into
leather. She stood there a moment just enjoying the absence of the burning pain that resided in Her back
first thing in the day. It always greeted Her in the morning, if it did not serve to wake Her, that is.
Nox could not even remember the last time She had had a morning without that pain, but, for a moment, She
almost felt like Her old self, ready to go out and kick butt, bed wenches and ride like the wind. She dressed
for the day, dark tight leather pants a white linen shirt, open just enough to tempt with being trampish
about it, short black leather boots for working in. There was a task to be completed, something Nox
wished to do for the wenches of the tribe. Despite not being very handy with tools, Nox did have one gift
and She was going to give it to those who cared for them all so lovingly.
On one of Her rides, She had spotted just what She needed and after saddling Khaos and grabbing a
bag full of needed implements and off they rode. Whatever was holding the pain at bay, She was going to
honor with Her gift to the wenches. Deep into the forest they went, Khaos seeming to know just where
they were going...Nox able to take in the beauty of the woods. She was tempted to shake Her head to
make sure She wasn't dreaming, but then, was afraid if She was She would awaken. She loved Khaos, but
he was not the most gentle ride and normally by now She would be feeling the beginnings of a killer low
back ache. Now, She just enjoyed the ride until Khaos signalled they had reached their destination by
stopping and giving Her that horse head shake.
"Pushy beast." Nox slid off his back and stretched, moaning softly when nothing protested. After giving
Khaos a couple apples, Nox set about Her task. None of the wenches were Hers yet, as a Warrior She
felt honor bound to protect all of them. Not all protection came in the form of physical weapons.
Nox worked for several hours until She at last strapped a small crude looking table on behind the saddle,
Khaos acting indignant until She brought out a couple more apples. She could not believe this day...She
could still feel the demon but it felt like it was a million miles away. She mounted Khaos and urged him to fly
like the wind, something they rarely did anymore, unless Nox's hide was at stake. This time was for the pure
enjoyment, the exhilaration of feeling free...free from the demon, if only for a little while.
Khaos must have sensed the difference, he flew thru the forest and around the lake, like he needed the run
just as much as Nox did. When they finally reached Her quarter's, Nox slid off him and carried the table
inside then lead Khaos back to his quarters. Nox spent a good deal of time seeing to him and rewarding him
for being such a faithful companion...he even got more apples, all was right in his world. After a final rub of
his neck and an attempted slobbering, Nox headed back to Her quarters. She had some carving to do.
When She got in the room, She realized there was one more thing She had to do.
She pulled a sheet of dark purple parchment from the shelf, and sat down to write.
****Nessa,
I know you are the reason the demon has been so far away, last night and during this day. Thank you, seems
too small to express my gratitude for the respite you gave me, but, it is all I can say. Thank you, Druid
Nessa.
At your service
Nox****
When She was done, She rolled the parchment and tied it with a pale grey ribbon. She walked down to the
Druid's dwelling, left the scroll and returned to Her quarters, an actual small smile upon Her face.
Nox
Celebration
Part 12
A Name of Vision
By Nessa
The Druid left Latis Lake astride her warhorse companion, Tuttle who was a mare and yet whose blood
now sired Flame’s foal. After seeing Nox leave the lake in no pain, she headed back to the celebration still
in amazement at this new development.
Nessa stalled Tuttle and checked on Flame who did actually appear a little bigger than she remembered.
The celebration was still in full swing when she entered Grandmother’s Hut. The Druid knew she did not
wander in from a dream. She knew she was awake as well as she knew the moon was up. Nessa worked at
recalling a word used to describe the magic Epona bestowed on Tuttle and Flame. She walked with
purpose to sit by her Queen. Suddenly the Druid realized the sounds and movements of revelry ceased.
All eyes were on her. They were awaiting her prophecy about the new foal.
Nessa’s leather vest was adorned with every charm passed on or gifted to her. She reached up and
touched Dervil, the charm meaning the daughter of Eire. The Druid closed her eyes and spoke through
the silence and into every heart in the Tribe. Her voice resonated when she said, “The filly’s name is
Aisling, for she will be a fine horse gifted with great vision.”
Morgan, the Fianna of Warrior Spirit stood before the tribe with goblet held in one beautifully adorned
hand and toasted. “To Aisling” she said. “She will be our Tribe’s newest foal to be born by the Equinox
of new life.” She looked down at Nessa whose eyes sparkled in the light of candles and flame. She read
love and magic in those eyes. Slowly, Morgan gazed back at the crowd and said, “Aisling will bring new
vision and more sisters. Her message of vision is one of growth and hope on this peaceful island of Eire.
Our Druid has told me that the presence of my own horse, Niam, gifted to me this night will veil our Tribe
from war and interlopers. Give thanks to Epona and her granddaughter, Dera Marius, the chief
Horsewoman of our Tribe.”
This was good news to a group of women who each knew enough suffering for themselves and others for
this lifetime and possibly more. The goblets were tossed back in unison and the cheering began.
Nessa made a fine figure in her adorned leather vest, green silk shirt and kilt. She snapped her fingers as
she walked to the center of the large hut. The fiddles and pipes picked up the beat while she drew her
sword, nodded at Caitlin who tossed the Druid her own sword. Nessa crossed the swords on the floor
and began the step jig of the Celts. She held her upper body straight, arms to her sides and danced
between the crossed blades; lifting knees high; kicking out to the beat of the pipes and fiddles and
bobbing her head to the tune with her wild red hair loose, but for the warrior braids on either side of her
head.
The dance had the effect of lifting already high spirits as others of the tribe formed circles and began the
circle step dance of the Celts. It was a wondrous site and a wondrous night. Nessa finished and the first
to catch her gaze was Killian. The tears of love and gratitude each felt for the other rolled easily down
ruddy cheeks. They had a history known only to themselves. Nessa leaped to Killian’s side and shot a look
for permission from Caitlin who granted the request with a smile and a nod. Nessa led her dearest friend,
Killian to the Dance floor to show all how it was done.
Nessa
Celebration
Part 13
A Vision Enjoyed
By Killian
Killian stepped into the dancing as if her heart was on fire and shooting out the soles of her feet. She
heard the words of her Sister that Niam and Epona would veil their Tribe from war and interlopers. The
lass howled with gratitude to the Great Mother, and allowed her body to move with the freedom of a
waterfall.
The closeness Killian felt at Nessa's side couldn't be hidden from view, for it was a purely magical bond
that brought them both to their true loves, through, and with each other along the way. Killian held on to
Nessa as they danced and danced, in a way she couldn't have before Morgan returned to claim her as
Sister, and Nessa as Druid. The freedom both women felt was joyous and electrifying for all to see.
As one with a trick or two up her own sleeve, Caitlin gently approached her Queen, and asked Morgan to
join her on the dance floor. Morgan acquiesced heartily. Much to everyone's amazement but Killian,
Caitlin could indeed dance gracefully in the Celtic tradition.
Soon, partners were switched, and the Druid enjoyed the company of her lover, as Caitlin enjoyed her
partner thoroughly, as well.
The night lingered on until long past sun up, with the revelry not succumbing until the Sun sat majestically
high in the sky. Freedom, and Peace were celebrated this night, along with the hope of new life. There was
much to be grateful about for all in Morgan's Tribe.
By Killian
The End
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