Widdershins 'Round the Fae Fire~closed for M13

[Luna_Wolf72]

The Beginning~An Introduction

Danica~a mutt~English, Irish, Jamaican, Choctaw. Short nape length curls~dark auburn in color. Dark hazel eyes~flecks of gold and green. A few freckles. Small boned, almost elfin in stature, with thick hips and a round butt from her black and native ancestors.

She studied witchcraft at her grandmother Seanan's knee. Danica was taught of the Fae and studied herb lore, color magick, string and stone stories. She learned spell working, ritual observances and tied it together with the hoo-doo her grandmother Alise taught. An odd combination~the way of the wise combining with African white magick. Whatever the combo, it worked for her and Dani was proud of her connections to the people's of her world.

Then, two years ago, things had fallen apart. her lover of four years had left her, both grandmothers passed away, one right after the other. She had lost her job, her apartment, her will to live. It was while she was recuperating, in a ward for attempted suicides, that she had had THE DREAM. A dark male~beckoning her. No words, nothing but that long finger crooked in command. She had wanted to fall to her knees and grovel for him. The dream had shaken her.

Once she was released from the hospital, she had gone to work, studying up on all major mythological cycles, all magickal traditions. She had found two jobs, working 80-90 hours a week to get back on her feet. She had gotten a bigger apartment but put the majority of her money in the bank. It was a compulsion, a need. She wanted to see Ireland, she wanted to visit Stonehenge, she wanted to go to Somalia, Jamaica. Money was needed, so she saved.

A year passed this way. A year of working until she dropped, not going out, not buying anything that wasn't needful, only having the minimum extras (internet access but no cable, no home phone, no car.) At the eighteenth month mark, she had quit both jobs, gave up her home and pulled half of her savings out of the bank.

Her travels took her to Jamaica first and then to Africa. For three months, she reveled in the culture of her dark skinned grandmother and yet she was never fully comfortable there. Something tugged her northward, toward the Emerald Isle, toward England....and so finally, she uprooted again and took herself to London.

The dream came back. Tugging. Provoking. Pulling. She fought it but a month ago, she had ended up here, in Ireland. Not in the cities, they held no magick. She walked the lonely roads, the woods, the fens. And she searched...but she never KNEW what she was searching for.


Last Night~

The night was dark and the woods, deep. Deeper than dreams, deeper than the oceans~or so it seems to the lone figure striding along, moving tree limbs and underbrush with practiced ease. After all, one didn't get all the merit badges she had earned for wood lore without knowing her way around them.

The moon didn't penetrate this far into the darkness but she could see well enough for her plans and didn't bother to light her lantern or to dig out her flashlight. What would have been the point? Searching for a Faery mound required more than just physical sight. It required knowledge and surety and the ability to sense other realms. She had those things, in spades. Artificial light would make everything so much harder.

Eventually, she came to a clearing. In the center? A perfect circle made up of toadstools. A true Faery circle, an almost positive entrance to a Fae sidhe. The girl cocked her head, twining one dark auburn curl around a slender finger. Should she try it tonight? Or maybe pitch camp and wait until the full dark of the moon.

Pulling her knapsack from her shoulder, Dani quickly set up her pup tent and dug a small fire pit. She wanted to start a fire with the twigs and dead branches she had gathered while walking. A quick charm, a deep breath and soon the blaze was crackling merrily and she was ready to brew her late night cup of tea.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow night. She would see if all the old tales were true. She would see if the Fae would come at her call or if she could find a way through the door to Tir Na Nog. Tonight? She would rest, dream, plan. For tomorrow night...if things didn't go amiss, she would be else where. Or as close to else where as humanly possible. She hoped.


Day break

The coolness of the morning awakened Dani with a whimper. No one ever talked of the early morning~the quietness, the damp air, the mist. When people talked of Ireland~they mentioned the green, the vast green~but not the fact of the soggy air and the cold that seeped into one's bones. She wished she had thought to ask before she had begun her hunt. She would have been better prepared.

"No use complaining. What's done is done...but Gods...someone should have told me."

Danica emerged from her pup tent and struggled to relight her small fire. It took long minutes but eventually, a neat blaze was crackling merrily. She filled a kettle with fresh mint leaves and spring water and set it to steep among the flames.

Once that was accomplished, she turned her mind toward the knapsack and the herbs located in the bottom of the bag~ sweet clover, Elfswort, heather and lilac, thyme. Swift fingers snatched for the bag and retrieved the various leather sacks, removing each with care. The herbs had to be charged before the sun cleared the horizon. Flower petals needed to be stripped from stems, the herbs crushed more fine for the circle casting at dusk.

Danica did these things, singing quietly under her breath. Her grand mama had been very serious, damn near scarily intent, when she spoke of herbs used to gather the Fae, to get their attentions. The preparation had to be perfect, the mind set, the same. One couldn't allow doubt or anger, fear or any other negative emotion to enter, not while one worked the call. Who knew what type of negative thing you would grab the attention of?

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro lay on the windward side of the hill, just below the crest. He laid back on the grass, loving the smell of the crushed blades beneath him when the breeze didn't carry it away too swiftly, nor the other equally enjoyable fragrances over powered it. As always, the sun was just the right temperature and brightness, allowing the land to flourish and be enjoyed for exactly what it was.

His eyes remained closed as his long sable hair flickered under the caress of the moving air. His mind was wandering, yet again being drawn back to the place that they had left so many centuries before. It was still their home, but then it was not. They knew that there was a better place for them, and through their perseverance they found it. The longer they lived there, the more wisdom they gained, the more they changed. They were less of what they used to be, and were much more from the change too. But there was one important reason for his mind drifting to the place they left long ago.

Her.

One day, or was it dusk? Either way, he felt her across the barrier that kept the two worlds apart. Her spirit, her soul, had the right touch to it. It was resonating with the barrier just so. If she learned the proper ways, she might be able to open the door, and allow someone to pass between. He knew little more about her than that feel of her spirit.

"She will be one of those arrogant fools that thinks because she called someone like me, that I can be command and bent to her will. To enslave myself to her, such that she may gain power amongst those other fools that make up the younger race.

"Those useless Seelie and their pandering ways to the younger ones. Yet they are never around when some upstart calls one of us. No, they leave them to us to deal with now. Well, if this one does make the call, then I will deal with her in the proper manner."

The time passed for Alehandro as it did in his new home, and he was again resting on his favourite hill, enjoying the sweet breeze when he felt her again. She was closer, sharper, more focused. He eased himself up onto his elbows, looking down at the woods that encroached on the flat lands at the base of the hill. More of his hair streamed in the wind as he eased himself into standing. The dark gray, almost black breeches hugged his lower body firmly. Long, black boots stopped just short of his knees. His long, lithe torso was encased in a black vest that left his pale arms uncovered.

His long strides were graceful enough to make him look like he was gliding down the hill rather than walking. His deep brown almond shaped eyes scanned the land ahead of him for danger, though there was little within the lands that was a danger to him. He entered the woods as if he owned them, sliding between the trunks of the old trees with ease. He was drawn to the special place within, not needing any path or trail to follow. His instincts told him where to go, and he followed without hesitation.

Soon, he entered the clearing that housed the special place. A perfect ring of mushrooms. The circle was accurate. Each plant was exactly the same distance from it's neighbours. It was a place where the barrier between the words could be weakened enough to allow passage. It took them many years to develop the knowledge, and make it work. The younger races would think of it as magic, but it was nothing of the sought.

He knelt down, outside the ring. He looked at it with sight that few others possessed. The barrier was indeed weakened. The time was almost right back on the old world. She was there too. Focused. Sharped than an arrow point. Her resonance was strong. Alehandro smiled. She was going to open the portal.

"Will she be wise, and remain on that side, or be a greater fool, and attempt to cross over? Maybe I shall remove the choice from her?" He paused, feeling the changes happening on the other side. His smile broadened as he blindly observed her preparations to open the portal. "She is good. Well versed. I will have to think about what I will do with her when we finally meet." Everything she was doing was causing ripples in the barrier. She was inching closer and closer to having everything set correctly, to removed the barrier between the worlds in the place where his people had made it so. She could step across if she did everything properly, rather than letting one such as himself the ability to cross over.

"We must be careful with this one. She has power, and more than enough to cause trouble. But then again, what does a mere human know about trouble."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

The sun had finally breached the low lying mist, the fire had been scented, a bale fire. A sprinkling of sandalwood, ash, a whispering poplar limb, found while traveling. These had been prepped for this fire, for this time and sprinkled once the flames burned down. The scent was soothing, deep forest and craft, all at once.

The scents mingles with the herbal mixture she drank~a brew of chamomile, rose hips, and honey. All of it worked it's magic and helped to relax her. Calm her. Help her to think clearly. Rushing into this, calling a Fae, was something she couldn't do. Her grandmother had warned her, time and time again, to do it with a calm heart, a clear mind. No anger, no hurry.

Danica leaned back, her eyes glancing upward, toward the tops of the trees. Something called to her. An emotion, a charm, something that seemed to be just out of reach. She could feel the shivering of her aura as it tightened down, enveloped her in brightness, protection. She knew that the bale fire, the herbs, the tea, were all working together, opening her mind up to other planes of existence. It didn't matter. Not really. She knew better than to perform the calling on until dusk.

No one could make her hurry that. The day went at it's own pace and even if she felt the tug that screamed HURRY HURRY HURRY!! He's near! she couldn't go against the years of knowledge and training that had been imparted to her, by both grand mothers. She sat and basked...and eventually slept.

She dreams of him. As always. Just him. Senses him just beyond the ether. His clothing calls out to be petted, stroked. His hair, his face. All of it made for worship, for adoration. Odd. She never wants to stroke a male. Goes against her every wish. Yet, this dream. He beckons. Like always. His voice, a rough velvet that massages her cortex. Makes her head spin. He says~

"Why do you wait?" But she can not answer him...the dream won't allow it.

Danica awakens, head throbbing, mind playing tricks on her. She hasn't eaten. Won't, not until the calling on at dusk...but she should do something. Standing up, she stretches, and moves to the Faery ring. The dark mushrooms there shimmer with some sort of otherworldly glow. She doesn't step into the center. Even now, she is wary of travel to other realms. But she paces it, first right then left.

Her heart rate picks up so she slows the circling and wanders back to her spot. Meditation first. Focus. Clear mind, light heart. No Unseelie Fae. Not today. Clean thoughts, pure heart. Focus.

Dusk

The faery cakes are placed upon a small plain white platter. The elderberry tea is brewing. White sage and sandalwood have been added, sparingly, to the fire. The scents rise, engulf, make of the forest a place of magick. The smoke from the bale fire soothes, completes, makes of the small glade a place where other realms can be felt, seen, sensed.

Danica strips down to a plain white cotton leotard and stands up. Time now, before the sun finishes it's descent. Time for the ritual. She begins, pacing herself. Calling out with a lilt, begging attendance, a visit. As song. Her bare feet lead her to the faery ring and she walks it, a steady pace, her voice rising as the sun dips below the horizon and the stars begin to appear.

It is done. She sits, just outside the ring and sings. Her voice pure, clear. Her eyes are closed. She waits.

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro sat with the stillness of a statue. He observed the ripples growing in the circle as she made her preparations to finally open it. He marveled at her discipline. He felt the pull as much as she did, and he thought she would have buckled long before.

He was concerned, until she had her dream. He rode his part, not interfering. Watching, feeling what she thought he would feel, doing what she thought he would do. He felt her confusion over being drawn to him. He knew little of what truly drew her eye, but all her strength, and discipline held a weakness. He would hone in on that weakness, and bring her under his influence, not him under hers.

He laughed, the curious mix of youthful and aged. He sensed her desire for one of the Seelie to come to her call, but he would not allow that. None of those would come near the place while he was there, not unless they bought a sufficient offering to compensate him on his loss. But there was nothing that he thought of that would cover the cost of loosing her.

The barrier started to weaken further, more controlled and paced. She was doing it. She had successfully worked all the pieces together to forge the key that would open the door between their worlds. He heard her voice for the first time, drinking in more about the singer than she would have thought possible. Alehandro's eyes narrowed lustily and his breath escaped in a deep, thick sigh. He fluidly stood up, raking his long, delicate fingers through his hair, forcing it to rest on his back, held back by the equally delicate point of the ears that was another hint at his heritage.

He stepped into the ring, the power coalesced to open the portal enveloping him with the warm, gentle touch. The faint echoes of the ones that created the portal initially echoed in his mind, calling on many blessings and favours of others of his kind to make the place so. With the faintest workings of his will, Alehandro crossed to the place they had left, and cast his gaze upon her for the first time.

The Place They Left felt wrong to him the moment he arrived. It lacked so much of the life he was used to in his new home. Even in the homeland, where he knew he stood, was drained of what made it special. In that instant, he was saddened at what happened to their place, but then he was ecstatic that they new home was perfect still.

The air was a mix that was a symphony to his olfactory senses. He wondered if she knew how well it cleansed the air for those like him. How it brought back memories of times and places far more beautiful than this for him. Memories that belonged to the entire race, rather than just the individual.

When he sees her, he also hears her singing. Alehandro dragged himself out of his reverie, and took the first true notice of the one that called him. She is like nothing he has ever seen before. Her skin is dark, her shape is curvy as is her hair. Her manner of dress was strange, as if she wore another layer of skin. But within her is the power, the wisdom of the old ways and there is proof that she did indeed know what she was doing.

Alehandro smiled at the offering waiting beside the fire, even smelling the tea brewing as well. He lowered himself to the ground within the ring, sitting cross legged with his hands resting in his lap.

"Greetings and well met, My Lady. I thank thee for thy most gracious request for companionship, and thus I am here to join thee. It has been a long journey, My Lady. Have thou any refreshments that I might partake in?"

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

The evening pulses. A frisson of otherworldly energy touches her. Yet, she continues the song, allowing her full voice to bell out and touch the spheres of heaven. There is an impending sense of something close, a motion that is felt and not heard nor seen. When the quiet becomes filled with something other, she allows her eyes to open. She sees him, the one from her dream. The same, yet slightly different. He doesn't fill her with fear. He doesn't make her insides quake with loathing, longing or any other emotion she can name. He just IS.

She sees the darkness of his hair, a waterfall of decadent black silk. His skin is swarthy, not as dark as her own but not pale. His clothing is sedate and encloses him with dignity. He is a Godling~ perfection the likes of which no mere mortal could ever hope to attain. Finally, when the silence has just about driven her insane, he speaks.

"Greetings and well met, My Lady. I thank thee for thy most gracious request for companionship, and thus I am here to join thee. It has been a long journey, My Lady. Have thou any refreshments that I might partake in?"

Danica starts. His words. They cause an immediate reaction. Longing. She stands up and moves to the bale fire. Her hands reach for the platter and the warm mug before she can even begin to get control of herself. 'Breathe Dani. Think. Do not rush. Do not become a fool.' She returns to the Faery ring and places the platter and mug just inside the circle. Then she retreats and sinks down into lotus, her eyes trained upon her unearthly visitor.

Her words, when they come, are quiet, husky, measured.

"Good evening, my Lord of the Fae. I have made you tea and cakes, flavored with rose hips and honey. I hope they are to your liking."

Her voice trails into silence, her eyes gazing raptly at her visitor. He is beautiful to her, more so because of the hue of his skin, the shapely points of his ears. With a head shake, more at her stupidity than disbelief, she forces herself to begin anew.

"I appreciate your coming at my call. I was unsure if any of the Fair Folk would hear me. I am Dani, at least that is my speaking name. What shall I call you?"

Her hazel eyes widen, imperceptibly. Her breath catches in the back of her throat. She awaits his words with bated breath. To hear him speak? That is utter and complete bliss. Had she but known it sooner, she would have never been able to wait for the proper calling on time. 'But he has to have a name...and remember the Fair Folk love a bargain, so no bargaining, Danica.'

The silence is gut wrenching and the crackling of the fire does little to ease her distress. If only he would speak again! Night sounds begin to filter into her awareness~the rustle of tree limbs, scurrying movements, the sleepy chirruping of birds. Yet, she doesn't allow her concentration to break. They can not continue forward until she has a speaking name to call him.

She waits.

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro merely waits with a patience that has been well honed amongst his own people. Patience that is required to await the proper moment to act, to seize the moment when the move can be safely made. Patience that allows one to watch the flow of the glacier, and enjoy the majesty of the river of ice in action.

He sees her startle at his words, somehow not ready for what her ears received. The movements speak whole volumes about the one that called him. Regardless of her power, her convictions and her reasons, she is still fearful of him. Alehandro quietly rejoices in the knowledge. While she fears him, he will control her. How much control, he will see. But he knows that the control will be enough to gain whatever he seeks from her.

She could move with grace, that much he could see. But the fear, uncertainty and doubts cloud her mind, distracting her and making her movements less fluid, more jerky. But she is clear enough in her mind to remember her hospitality. He smelled the food and beverage, once more pleased at her wisdom. The mug and plate are placed within the ring, close enough to reach without bending or leaning. He ignored the offering as he concentrated on the hostess. There would be ample time to partake of the food, but partaking of her was a higher priority.

"Good evening, my Lord of the Fae. I have made you tea and cakes, flavored with rose hips and honey. I hope they are to your liking."

The timbre of her voice is soothing in the roughness. Shy and polite, the natural control within pacing her words. His eyes looked at her own, seeking to see what lay beyond the narrowed windows of her soul. The intensity of her gaze is match by his own. He is fascinated by her skin tone. She was like a few of the others within his new home. Skin dark as coal, teeth whiter than snow. She lacks their depth of darkness of skin, but the blend is very pleasing to his eyes.

Alehandro remembered his manners, reaching down for the mug, lifting it to his lips. The sip is hot, but he doesn't register the scalding quality of the drink. He remained outwardly calm, though his curiosity was starting to gain strength. The drink was perfect, worthy of the Queen's Court. He held the cakes in high regard before a morsel passed his lips. If her drink was of high quality, then the cakes would be as well.

"I appreciate your coming at my call. I was unsure if any of the Fair Folk would hear me. I am Dani, at least that is my speaking name. What shall I call you?"

There is the briefest of pauses in the passage of the mug back to the ground. Again, the weakness with her came forth through her widened eyes. Fear? Longing? It was too hard to tell as both seemed to be at war within her, or so it seemed to his eyes. The very edges of his lips make the slightest upturning as he looks away from her long enough to select one of the cakes. The long, delicate fingers carefully tear off a piece of the cake, not dropping a single crumb. With similar care and consideration, he placed the piece of cake into his mouth. His teeth didn't need to do any work on the morsel of food. The cake melted against his tongue. His eyes fluttered closed as he focused his entire being on the gift he had been offered.

He swallowed without the slightest trace of movement. His eyes opened, with a glitter to them that had not been there prior. The smile was more noticeable, bringing life to his elongated facial features. "I must compliment you on your ability to create such majestic fare for such an unworthy guest. I would also thank thee for thy courtesies in the title thou hast given me. I am no Lord of the Fae.

"But, my Lady Dani, I am most honoured to greet thee. I can be called Alehandro. As for one of us paying heed to your call, we all take a great interest in those that have claimed the lands that were once ours. When one has the wisdom and talent to make the call, would it not be uncouth to ignore such a gesture?" His hand took up the mug once more, taking a longer sip of the beverage. He kept his eyes looking straight at hers over the top of the mug. He placed it on the ground, taking another piece of cake.

"What I would like to know, Lady Dani, is why one such as yourself would be lacking in companionship such that you would call on someone like me?" He placed the piece of cake on his tongue, drawing the morsel back into his mouth, slowly consuming it as he gazed at his hostess.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

'Ah, his name is Alehandro. No Lord of the Fire nor Gawain nor any such thing. Alehandro. It fits him.'

Danica's thoughts meant that she missed a few words of his continuing monologue but she caught up soon enough. He complimented her on the fare she provided, speaking with a courtliness of manner that made her weak kneed. No simple Faery was the male housed within the ring. He was beyond anything she had expected. He was perfection~ lithe, limber, lean.

Danica relaxed, slightly. She had felt a momentary fear but his words had dispelled them with ease. He didn't seem to be in any hurry. Every movement was languid, a symphony to any watching, almost a slow seduction. Of course, he would not see it that way. Judging by the stories her grandmother, Seanan, had shared with her when she was but a youngster, the Fair Folk didn't see mortals as anything but pets or play toys. What else could they be? Their lives went by so quickly.

"What I would like to know, Lady Dani, is why one such as yourself would be lacking in companionship such that you would call on someone like me?"

The query, softly asked, brought a startled giggle to her lips. The truth tumbled out in all it's gaudy glory before she could put a halt on her wayward tongue.

"Well, Alehandro. I did not call for lack of company. I am solitary and a natural witch child from two very different strains. Two years ago, I dreamed of you...or some one so much LIKE you as to make no never mind. My life had went to hell in a handcart and I had attempted to alleviate the pain in the only way I knew how.

Since, obviously, I am still on this plane of existence, my cure for the pain didn't work. While I was recuperating in a nicely padded room, I began to dream. There was a male figure. Beckoning me. Odd enough as I don't really like men. However, this male figure imparted a compulsion with in me, a need to trace my roots. And so, six months ago, I packed my bags and headed out. Touching down in Jamaica, in Africa, in England.

I was pulled ever onward until I reached the Emerald isle. Once here? The compulsion eased. I knew I was in the right place. My grandmother had told me of the Good Folk and I knew enough to want to talk to one, to learn about them if I could. And, I suppose, I was hoping I would meet the male who gave me the gift of wanderlust.

So I plotted my course and set out for the fens, the forests, the bogs. I walked the wild places until I found a likely spot. I didn't plan on trapping anyone or harming them. I don't require a gift or a boon. I just want to learn."

Silence, as she ran out of words. Her eyes had stayed fastened to his through out and her mouth had turned upwards at the corners as she spoke, inviting him to share her laughter at herself. After all, this course of action had been caused by a dream. What else could one do but laugh? Eventually, she stood up from her lotus and stretched out before returning to the bale fire and the pot of chamomile she had prepared for herself.

She poured a mugful, added a touch of clover honey and returned to the Faery ring, sitting only a few inches away from him, from his repast.

"So you see, Alehandro, I am not lonely. Only a scholar with a lust for knowledge and a need to connect parts of myself to something outside. Being a loner isn't always a good thing."

Dani sipped her tea and watched him with wide hazel eyes. He hadn't spoken during her monologue and she worried that she had said too much. No one wants to think they are there simply to be studied. And the truth was that she hadn't planned on telling her visitor any of the things she had shared.

It was just...he looked so much like the male in her dreams. She wanted it to be him.

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro's focus on the one who called him was intense. She was his universe, and he wanted to miss nothing of what she had to show him. He was surprised at the response to his simple question, but he was more pleased at what she revealed to him.

She spoke of failed suicide, her attraction to women rather than men, of places that he knew of, but little else. He drank in every word, using it to build the image of the real person who called him. She liked women more than men, but the way her eyes looked at him, she hungered for his body. But her other physical needs took control, and she went to get herself something to drink. Again, she surprised him by sitting herself closer to him, nearing the edge of the ring.

"So you see, Alehandro, I am not lonely. Only a scholar with a lust for knowledge and a need to connect parts of myself to something outside. Being a loner isn't always a good thing."

Alehandro took another piece of the cake she made for him, letting the morsel dissolve in his mouth as he let the first piece. He let the silence grow between them, strengthening itself until it was almost a tangible barrier between them.

"You spoke of many grave matters, Danica. but buried within them are truths that are vital to you, the foundations of the wisdom you yearn for and seek. You could not cure your pain in the manner that you desired. That is because there are questions left unanswered that need answers. One does not leave their mortal shell behind without appeasing the spirit contained within.

"This is more so due to your power. It is strong within you, and you have yet to touch it in the fullest manner. But such power is dangerous in the hands of one who doesn't know the most fundamental lesson in the Arts. Know thyself.

"All scholars need a mentor in their journeyman years. Your spirit guides you, shows you what you need to grow in the Arts. Maybe I am what you need to further your talents? Maybe I am the one to show you who you really are? I, myself, do not know. The path through the Mists is too clouded for me to see."

Alehandro stood up. His legs simply unfolded, raising his body off the ground until he was towering over Danica's sitting form.

"With your permission, Danica, I would like to step beyond the circle that contains me. If you will grant me this, I will speak with you further about your quest for knowledge. If you will allow me out of here, I will hear of what it is you seek to know, so that I may help you gain what you seek."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

His words, after her little personal history lesson, seemed to cut right through to the heart of the matter. Each thing he said, the words he used to say them, was as if he had picked them straight from the morass of her unfulfilled wishing, longings.

"You spoke of many grave matters, Danica. but buried within them are truths that are vital to you, the foundations of the wisdom you yearn for and seek. You could not cure your pain in the manner that you desired. That is because there are questions left unanswered that need answers. One does not leave their mortal shell behind without appeasing the spirit contained within.

This is more so due to your power. It is strong within you, and you have yet to touch it in the fullest manner. But such power is dangerous in the hands of one who doesn't know the most fundamental lesson in the Arts. Know thyself.

All scholars need a mentor in their journeyman years. Your spirit guides you, shows you what you need to grow in the Arts. Maybe I am what you need to further your talents? Maybe I am the one to show you who you really are? I, myself, do not know. The path through the Mists is too clouded for me to see."

She nodded as he spoke his conclusions, agreeing without knowing that she was doing so. Explained in such a way, it was no wonder that the suicide attempt had failed. It shouldn't have. Between the vodka, the three months worth of sleeping pills, the warm water and the slit wrists? She should not be here. So there must be, had to be, a reason for the failure.

And yes, knowing oneself is at the base of all craft, of all learning. Without that, one can not go further, can not develop. Can not live. Had she ever truly known herself? Some how, Danica believed that she never really had. If that was true? It did much to explain WHY her mind had pulled her ever onward. Searching elsewhere for truth was much easier than searching one's own heart, mind, soul.

The thoughts circled like vultures and it took a long moment for his final comments to register.

"With your permission, Danica, I would like to step beyond the circle that contains me. If you will grant me this, I will speak with you further about your quest for knowledge. If you will allow me out of here, I will hear of what it is you seek to know, so that I may help you gain what you seek."

"Oh."

Danica glanced up...and up. He was so very tall. Regal, even. She felt dwarfed, slightly frightened. Worried. She did not allow that fear to stop her. After all she KNEW what she was here for, to learn, not to bargain or to cajole a favor. Releasing him from the doorway was simply polite.

"Certainly, Alehandro. If you will give me but one moment..."

So saying, Danica stood up and walked to her fire. Deft fingers grabbed her athame and raised it to her mouth so that she could kiss the flat of the blade. Then she returned to the Fae ring and spoke out loud.

"I cut this doorway, between the place that is and the place that comes, between me and thee. Enter freely."

Her eyes closed and she took a few steps to the right and imagined silver light flowing from the athame's tip. Left, above, right. She heard an inaudible pop and felt a warm breeze against her skin. The scent of heather overwhelmed and then faded. Finally, she opened her eyes and saw the last traces of the doorway fade into nonexistence.

"Come through, Alehandro and let us continue our conversation, if it pleases you."

Danica smiled. Slow, open, wholesome~ and turned to head for the small fire that now beckoned cheerfully. The raising of real power always left her cold...and the fire promised warmth and light. For some odd reason, she felt she needed to make use of both.

"Join me, Lord Fae, by the fire."

Soundless, quick footsteps soon had her beside the fire unfolding her extra camp stool before she eased herself down, onto her own.

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro looked on curiously as Danica went about allowing him to leave the circle. He wondered if she knew he could exit at any time he wished by stepping out. But seeing her take up her blade, and cut the barrier and causing it to break was definitely interesting to watch.

What was more interesting was watching Danica move about. The clothing she wore left little to the imagination concerning her shape. It also showed off her body quite well as she moved. His eyes noted the play of the muscles in her legs, and lower body as she moved about innocently of his scrutiny. He liked what he saw, and she held much potential for enjoyment later on. How much potential would be where most of the fun would be had. Some deeper instinct told him that she would have a great deal of potential to be unlocked.

"Come through, Alehandro and let us continue our conversation, if it pleases you. Join me, Lord Fae, by the fire."

He liked her smile. It hinted at joyful thoughts and feelings. It also seemed to convey something else. Something missing, or shut away. Fleeting but there. There was a lot more to this woman than met the eye. She expressed a liking of women instead of men, yet she dreamed of him. He knew of women of his own kind who had developed a taste for the fairer sex, and more than one who would do nefarious things to him if they knew of her. To take his place and reap the rewards. But for him, the rewards would be greater.

He paused while she moved again, once more adoring the grace she employed while moving, oblivious to the effect it was having on her companion. He also took the time to observe the seat that she readied for him. He had seen nothing like it before in his past, and it intrigued him greatly. Only when she sat in her own did Alehandro move from the circle.

"Thank you, my Lady. I will not be able to dwell outside the circle for long, but I can do so long enough to impart a simple lesson, and add to your wisdom for our next meeting." He closed the distance between them. The flame caused ruddy shades to dance across Danica's dusky skin, blending the two colours together to make hues that were most exciting to the Fae.

"I must say to you, I have never seen one with the shade of skin like yours before. I have seen skin as dark as ebony, but not the luscious shade of brown that yours has been given." The tips of his fingers slid along the surface of her cheek in the manner a young child hesitantly touches another person.

Without warning, his hand cupped the side of her face, angling her head so his mouth greeted hers smoothly. His lips met the soft pillowed flesh of Danica's softly, gently and tenderly. His lips explored hers; pressing hard, easing off, shifting slightly. Alehandro radiated restrained passion and a hint of lust as he continued to press his lips against hers. He knew she had some desire for him because of the dream. He wanted to see how much of that she was aware of, and how she would react to his kissing of her.

When he broke off the kiss, he sat himself down on the stool she had prepared for him. Not a word was spoken, he just watched intently. His entire focus was on her and nothing else. Every little nuance of her behaviour was being watched, scrutinized, analyzed and enjoyed. A small smile graced his lips while he waited.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

He walked with feline grace. Sure footed. Light. Danica watched him as he strode closer, his long legs seeming to almost float above the ground. It amazed her, deep inside. It thrilled her. All the years of study, of saving, of waiting and finally...a Fae Lord. HERE. In front of her.

She waited, her body relaxed, as he moved closer. She stayed relaxed until his long, slender fingers trailed over the flesh of her cheek. His words, low, sweetly seductive like the ringing of bells, brought a blush to the skin beneath his trailing finger tips. She didn't see her flesh the way he did. It was just...brown. Nothing special, at all.

And then he leaned down..and pressed his lips to hers.

'Wha...?' The thought trailed away as something lit up in her mind. Red, green, blue, pink. A fireworks display. She could feel herself, attempting to lean in, get closer. And she didn't know WHY! Yet, she allowed the kiss. He tasted...familiar. 'How...' Her mind was dizzy from attempting to make sense of it all. Finally, an eternity later, he released her and moved to sit on his camp stool.

Danica couldn't speak. She literally could not vocalize, anything at all. She felt... stunned. She could feel the blood thrumming under her skin, pounding in her temples. But the words? They wouldn't come. She closed her eyes for a long moment, breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth. Cycles within cycles. In. Out.
Once. Again.

Finally, she opened her eyes and shifted her gaze to his face. His slightly smiling, handsome face. A sip of tea. Something to ease the parched feeling. She fidgeted. Made herself stop. Cleared her throat with a low hmph of sound. And then, she spoke, her voice low, husky.

"Was that the lesson, my Lord of the Fae? If so, what would you title it? How to take my breath away in one fast step?"

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro continued to observe Danica's reactions to his first lesson. If he read her correctly, he had managed to arouse her in the manner that a good kiss would. He saw the thumping of her skin as the blood rushed through her body. But then she worked at reining in runaway body, calming herself quickly. He was impressed at the command she showed over her own body.

When she turned back to face him, he sensed the need for her to move. She was still not fully settled, and this pleased him greatly. He managed to find the chink in her armour; her self control. The sip of the tea was a good cover, but not good enough.

"Was that the lesson, my Lord of the Fae? If so, what would you title it? How to take my breath away in one fast step?"

"In deed it was the lesson, Danica." Then he laughed, a deep, hearty laugh that carried echoes of his lust and his natural passion. "But my student seems to have missed the true import of the lesson." He stood up, walking over to stand in front of her. He leaned down, bringing his face close to hers. Their noses a mere fraction of an inch from touching. He let his warm breath waft over the lower parts of Danica's face while he peered deeply into her eyes.

"Think on what you have spoken to me about. Then reflect on the outcome of the lesson. A small lesson it be, but it has profound reaches for you, Danica."

He pulled his head back slightly, no longer violating her personal space. "Next time you call me, Danica, make a larger ring of clover leaves, surrounding the fae ring, and touching it at one point. It will allow me to remain longer on this side. That, in turn, will allow me to broaden your wisdom further, and make you a better person and worker of the mysteries."

His left hand rose to Danica's face, the fingertips dancing with a feather light touch from the crown of her forehead, across her face until they fell from her chin. He stepped aside, closer to the ring, his fingers touching the underneath of her chin. His touch asked her to turn her head towards him, allowing him to see her face in the flickering light of the fire. Her skin came alive with the soft tones and hues of the firelight, granting him memories which he would enjoy while he waited for the call he knew would come.

"Thank you for your invitation, and your hospitality this eve. I hope you fare well, until we meet again." His fingers left her chin, coming to rest on her lips for a few seconds. He smiled, bowed, then walked to the circle and vanished from Danica's sight.


"It seems that my little toy has a little knowledge of our ways, but not a lot. Which is good for me." Alehandro's grin was feral and evil mixed together. "Let us see if she does what I advised her to do. If so, then she will be ripe for what I have planned for her. Of course, she wants to learn. I will happily teach her some important lessons that one such as her will need to know."

He moved back towards the hill where he rested prior to the call. "Of course, whether she actually wants to learn what I teach her is a totally different matter all together." He laughed out loud. "By the time we get there, it wont matter anyway, because she will have little choice but to learn."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Danica did not allow herself to dwell on his words. Not while the Fae was still in her presence. It would have broken her concentration. Concentration she was using to not run screaming from the place. So she heard each word, but she chose not to respond. Once he had stepped back into the Faery ring? She shivered slightly and sat there, allowing her mind to think on each of his statements.

"Think on what you have spoken to me about. Then reflect on the outcome of the lesson. A small lesson it be, but it has profound reaches for you, Danica."

That was easy and upsetting. She wanted him. Sexually. A thing she could not help but be fearful of; a thing that did NOT fit how she saw herself. The lesson? That she could need a certain type of male, even if it was only one male. The outcome? She was unsure of her own basic desires, now. Men were not for her. Never had been. Still, she knew that she wanted this male. It couldn't be, and yet, it was. Discarding those thoughts, she moved on to another statement.

"Next time you call me, Danica, make a larger ring of clover leaves, surrounding the fae ring, and touching it at one point. It will allow me to remain longer on this side. That, in turn, will allow me to broaden your wisdom further, and make you a better person and worker of the mysteries."

Why was it so important for the clover? Did she really want him to be able to remain even longer on this side of the veil? Did she want his new lessons? Would they help her? Or would they change even more of what she knew to be true concerning herself? Did she want to allow those changes? Could she?

The questions were endless. They helped, NOTHING. With a head shake, she chased those myriad queries away and stood up. Worrying herself sick would do no good. She doubted that she would ever call upon him, again. Limiting herself to one Fae Lord? When there were Ladies of the Sidhe, as well? Other types of fair Folk to connect with? No. She would not do it. She would find others to learn from.

She never once admitted to herself that she was terrified of what Alehandro could, would, teach her.

Instead she doused her fire, picked up her campsite, packed her bag and set out walking. She had to leave this wood. She had to go find a house, one where she could study and live in peace. One where she could surround herself with the lore and life of her grandmother. A silent place. She would find it. Eventually.

Her steady walking carried her away from the Faery ring, away from the first lessons. With each step, she felt herself awakening. The meeting took on dream like underpinnings. And that, made her happy. Danica walked the sun up, and then, down. By the time she made camp? The circle and Alehandro were both lost, deep within the trees.

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro walked from the place on the other side, heading back to the hill he laid on when he first left to meet Danica. He smiled wistfully, thinking of the flaws in her knowledge, and how he would use them to help educate her properly. Luckily for her, he had enough power to prevent any of his 'cousins' from taking an active interest in her, and those with greater power wouldn't lower themselves to play with one of her power anyway.

He finally approached the spot where he was lying, returning to the exact pose so he didn't disturb the grass further. His mind wandered, recalling the aspects about her that appealed to him so greatly. The colour of her skin was amazing. The blend of dark and light was perfect for her, making her appear truly exotic in his eyes. The way she moved, and the clothes she wore made it easy to determine the shape of her body, as well as how he would enjoy it when the time came. Of little concern was her power. She was not learned enough to wield it properly and be a danger to him. By the time she was, he would have nothing to fear from her.

He laughed out loud as his plans grow more solid in his mind. He watched as he played out certain key events surrounding Danica's education. He shivered with excitement, almost impatient to enjoy the wonders that would be found with her. He slowly closed his eyes, willing himself to calm. Then he felt it.

Danica was entering the Dreaming. Alehandro centred himself quickly and followed her presence into the landscape of the imagination.

The mists grew heavier the further he moved into the Dreaming. But her presence was a clear beacon; a sun calling to the moth to climb ever higher. Then the mists weakened, and he could see Danica, squatting near a campfire. About her were the tools of her Craft, and she was focused on the fire.

She began her spell, and the flames grew greater, and rudely followed her gestures. She was pleased with her efforts, but Alehandro could see that she could do far better than that. He concentrated, slowly taking the reins from Danica, and showing her the truth.

The scene slowly faded into the mists, returning as before, but this time an old man stood at her side, guiding her through the same spell. This time, the flames grew greater, and followed her gestures more fluidly. The old man smiled, congratulating Danica before he started to impart more wisdom to his pupil.

Once more, the scene reset after being swallowed by the mists. Instead of the old man, one of the great ladies of the Fae stood in the man's place. Attired in the most stunning of formal gowns, she stood silently as Danica made the final touches for her casting. With the barest of nods from the smiling woman, Danica raised a humanoid shaped figure of pure flame. Grudgingly, it accepted the control Danica held over it, submitting itself to her will. The fire elemental was dismissed, and the lady grabbed Danica, gifting her with a passionate kiss.

Once more, the scene faded into the mists, to reveal her standing at the fire side, Alehandro himself looking down on her. Once more, Danica did her casting, and the same humanoid figure appeared in the flames. When Danica commanded it, without pause, it bowed in submission; gracefully, fluidly and without resistance. His expression was one of 'see, I told you you could' when she looked back at him. Together, the two traded smiles before Alehandro beckoned her over to start her next lesson.

Still lurking in the shadows, Alehandro left Danica to decide how her dream would progress from there, content that he had imparted the important message to her in her dreams.

Lying on the hill, Alehandro opened his eyes, smiling broadly. He stood up slowly, stretching in a way that would make most felines jealous. With easy paced steps, he made his way back to the gateway between worlds, waiting for the call he knew would come. Even if Danica called another, he would be the one that answered. She would learn only from him. And he was going to teach her well.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Two Weeks Later

Danica sat in the living room of her leased cottage, a fire burning merrily in the large fireplace. She held a cup of spiced tea in her left hand while the fingers of her right, flipped the pages in her grandmother's grimoire.

A little over a fortnight had passed since her meeting with the Fae Lord and in that time, the universe had decided to bless her with ease. She had found the cottage, paid for a year's lease, gotten her things shipped over to the Green Isle from the states and set up shop, all within 8 days. It had gone just like clock work.

After all the drama and pain of the previous two years? Danica felt as if she deserved it. For the first time, she felt rested, at ease and content. As it happened, she welcomed the ease, the bliss. Studying, walking the land, learning the names of the plants and animals indigenous to the Green Land? It was almost like coming home.

She never allowed herself to think on Alehandro, yet he was there, in the back ground of her thoughts, like a lone cello in an all wood wind orchestra. A low, lone bass note that throbbed specifically because of his absence, here. Now. There weren't any dreams. nothing to pull him to the forefront of her thoughts. Only that low sighing sound that spoke of his absence, a missed friend. A lover.

The Dark of The Moon

Danica finished her housekeeping chores and filled the tub for her bath. Tomorrow night would be a good time to try the fire elemental spell she had found. Not that she wanted to cajole or own. Just...query, find out. Maybe even earn a teacher. Salamanders, of the fire, were good for gifting creativity, for teaching. And because she didn't want to own, she had high hopes for the spell.

She had found every herb needful, gotten the correct proportions for the need fire, reworked the invocation/evocation so that the words would not cajole or order, only ask. All in all, she was quite happy with the reworked ritual/spell and she couldn't wait to try it out.

Once the tub was full and the bathroom filled with the commingled scents of sandalwood and tuberose, Danica stripped down and slipped into the heat. A low sigh escaped her as the warm, woodsy scent surrounded and soothed her, removing all the pent up, small stresses of the day. It was while she relaxed, head bobbing slightly, that she drifted into the Dreaming.

The dream showed her doing her ritual. Over and over and over. Each time, a new teacher. Each time a new result. Wasn't the result she wanted, but better. Much better. Each person tweaked something, added to it, took away. Until finally, HE showed up and added the last little twist that made the invocation...perfect.

But the perfection seemed...darker than what she wished for. She didn't want a slave, she wanted a teacher. She wanted the salamander to be comfortable with her, not owned nor cowed by her. Over. Again. Until the dream resonated at her deepest levels.

The next day

The area she chose for her working contained a small Fae ring, perfectly surrounded by white toadstools. She had gathered clover, during her journey and was almost finished encircling the ring, before she recalled Alehandro's words. The clover would enable him to stay longer. Funnily enough, she hadn't planned to call him at all.

Didn't seem to matter. The dream had shown her how easily her spell working could be tainted. She needed to know more. She didn't want to do anything that smacked of darkness. She wanted a teacher, not a slave. So she finished the the circle and sat down, building her need fire with the woods she had gathered.

She waited, impatiently, for the dark of the moon to rise. And once it did? She began the original calling on~her husky voice loudly echoing. She didn't want to call him. He terrified her but it had to be done.

 

[marauder13]

As the last time, Alehandro watched as the barrier between the worlds started to ripple and change. This time it was smoother and took less time to open the way between them. It was natural for one who did it once to feel more confident about the process, as well as being able to make the preparations quicker. The words she sang had a different quality to them. There was a timbre to her voice that resonated deep within him, giving rise to thoughts as primal as any His People had.

The barrier was completely breached, and he had waited long enough to heighten her concerns and self doubts enough to add a tantalizing taste to her emotional state. He took the simple step within the ring, feeling himself slip to The Place They Left. The warmth this time was more penetrating, washing away any feelings of cold and discomfort his destination caused him.

He looked down on her, once more openly admiring her form and her skin colour; something he could not get enough of. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the circle of clover. He smiled warmly at Danica, projecting his pleasure that she took the step he mentioned. Inwardly, it confirmed her knowledge was lacking in critical areas, allowing him the ability to make the most of the golden opportunity presented to him.

"Greetings, my Lady Danica. Have I your permission to step from the smaller ring into the larger ring?" He stood casually, safe in the knowledge that Danica would grant him the 'permission he needed'. "Have you done what I asked of you before I left last? Did you recall what you spoke to me, and of what happened at the end of the first lesson? What have you learned from that, Danica? What wisdom glittered in the reflection of the flames of the lesson taught? It is important, Danica. Tell me, so I may better know what I may teach you this time."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

As the last echo faded, the last word spoken in surety, he appeared. Still a commanding presence eased by the pleasant smile on his face. His dark hair danced in the gentle breeze, his lightly tinted skin glittered in the firelight. Danica found herself at a loss for words. She hadn't expected him to show so promptly, almost as if he were waiting for her to call.

'That can not be.'

His words, his query? To come out from the circle? She could say nothing but of course. Why else had she gathered the clover, why else had she called for him? Certainly not to leave him trapped in the circle like some sort of demon.

Still, a slight shudder roared through her as he took her at her word and stepped out, from the between place, to earth soil. His voice held no mockery, only a gentle prodding, as the next words fell from his lips.

"Have you done what I asked of you before I left last? Did you recall what you spoke to me, and of what happened at the end of the first lesson? What have you learned from that, Danica? What wisdom glittered in the reflection of the flames of the lesson taught? It is important, Danica. Tell me, so I may better know what I may teach you this time."

Danica jerked slightly. He would cut right to it, wouldn't he?

"Aye, Sirrah. I have. Before we get to that, may I offer you some tea and cakes, a seat by my fire?"

She motioned with one languid hand to the small tray that contained two tea mugs and a plate of Faery cakes. Then she pointed to her camp chair, already open and waiting for him to seek his ease there. She would not admit that her body trembled in reaction, nor would she acknowledge that he caused her skin to heat, her heart to pound. It could not be heard in her words and she planned to keep it that way. No matter how his questions prodded at her inner most thoughts.

She plucked her own tea mug up and took a sip, to settle herself, as she waited for him to join her. Once he had done so? She forced herself to be brutally honest with him. After all, he could not help her if he did not understand what she knew to be true.

"I don't know where to begin...so I shall start at the end. After you left the circle, I retreated. You questions? Your lesson? It bothered me. I didn't understand my reaction to you. I expected to feel angry, grossed out even. I felt neither. Instead, I was aroused.
No man has ever done so."

Another sip of her tea before she continued.

"I didn't like that~the reaction. It seems that I am not what I thought myself to be. That is very upsetting."

Silence then, as she contemplated the flames. She kept her face turned from his, kept her eyes down so that he could not see how the words, saying them out loud, cut at her. He wanted her responses. he did not need to see her fear or know her confusion.

"So I decided to push it away. No one wants to know that they are different than they believed. It smacks of heresy. I had even planned on never calling for you again, because my reaction was so....strong. But you said a thing...and I know it to be true."

A deep breath.

"You said...Know thyself. From my reaction to your presence, to the feel of your lips on mine? I do not know myself well enough. I need to know more. So when I had another set of dreams...I knew I had to call."

Danica forced her eyes to meet his, a small smile dimpling the corner of her full mouth.

"Have I given you what you need to help...or is there more?"

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro awaited her assent to leave the circle, even though he could leave any time he sought. He wanted to maintain the illusion that she had some control over what he was capable of, until he tired of the game, or he was able to use it to his advantage. She looked a little surprised at his straight out asking of his questions, but that didn't stop her from answering.

"Aye, Sirrah. I have. Before we get to that, may I offer you some tea and cakes, a seat by my fire?"

"Your hospitality is most warmly received, Lady Danica." Once more, he allowed himself the moment's loss of control to fully enjoy her movements, and the exotic colour of her skin. If nothing else, that rich colour was what kept him coming back. He wondered how it would look flushed with arousal, excitement and fear. He would learn soon enough, and it would be a delight to behold when it happened.

He followed her lead, every one of his actions the same as hers. The food and beverage were as excellent that time as before. His eyes continually swept over her body, returning to her face to gauge her reactions to him.

"I don't know where to begin...so I shall start at the end. After you left the circle, I retreated. You questions? Your lesson? It bothered me. I didn't understand my reaction to you. I expected to feel angry, grossed out even. I felt neither. Instead, I was aroused.
No man has ever done so."

Alehandro was surprised to find her speaking so truthfully so soon. He thought she would be like all the others he had met. They would cover the truth until it was too late, allowing the truth to be a greater weight about them than their lies. Danica, on the other hand, may be more of a challenge in that with the truth coming out so early, it could not be so easily perverted and turned against her.

"I didn't like that~the reaction. It seems that I am not what I thought myself to be. That is very upsetting."

Again. more truth that weakened his grip on her. His eyes followed hers to the flames. His sipped his drink, discarding plans and options he had developed, searching for new avenues to restore his rightful place in the relationship.

"So I decided to push it away. No one wants to know that they are different than they believed. It smacks of heresy. I had even planned on never calling for you again, because my reaction was so....strong. But you said a thing...and I know it to be true."

Alehandro returned his gaze to Danica. He smiled as the new plan came to the fore. She would learn from him, and he would teach her. The lessons would not be forgotten, and would make her more than she was as she spoke to him. The deep breath she took moved her chest in ways that set his body aflame with lust. His normally good control over his body lapsed, and the domant flesh between his legs awoke and grew in preparation for the joys he as going to seek.

"You said...Know thyself. From my reaction to your presence, to the feel of your lips on mine? I do not know myself well enough. I need to know more. So when I had another set of dreams...I knew I had to call."

Alehandro nodded. He saw her eyes met his, and the small smile causing some attractive depressions in her face. He returned the smile with one of his own.

"Have I given you what you need to help...or is there more?"

"Oh, you have given me enough to help you learn more of yourself, as well as the power you harness." He drained his mug, setting back on the tray. With a slow, flowing action, he stood up from the chair, taking a few steps back from the fire. "Danica, since you have learned a little more about yourself, it is time to use that knowledge to your advantage and work some magic that you have not done before."

Alehandro pointed to the camp fire. "You will summon an elemental from the Kingdom of Fire. Now, Elementals are simple creatures in some ways. They respect power, and those that wield it. You will need to show the elemental that you are ready to master it, control it and command it. When you do so, it will obey you. It will obey out of respect, and a desire to please you. If you try and be it's equal, it will be offended that it was called by one who was weak, and unworthy of anything it has to give."

Alehandro beckoned Danica over stand between him and the flames. When she stood before him, he resumed speaking. "Prepare yourself for the summoning, but do not start. If there is anything that needs changing or correcting, it is better to do so before the summoning has started. You are capable of this, Danica, there is no doubt. But I will protect you if something goes awry."

'And afterward, I will show you more about who you really are, Danica. Your brutal honesty shall not shield you at all.'

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Sometimes, the peace that is hardest won, shatters in an eye blink. It shouldn't. Danica knew what her peace SHOULD be~impenetrable, strong, a shield against all confusion. After all, she had done and said everything that needed to be done and said. She had given fully of her knowledge to him, even at the cost of her own feelings.

She should feel lighter. Instead she felt trapped, worried and...scared.

This Fae, this male, terrified her in a way that most other things, males, people did not. Could not. She wanted to turn away from him. She wanted to not listen. Not give him his way. She felt that he would take her magic and twist it. She felt that he would take her heart and damage it.

But his words...

"You will summon an elemental from the Kingdom of Fire. Now, Elementals are simple creatures in some ways. They respect power, and those that wield it. You will need to show the elemental that you are ready to master it, control it and command it. When you do so, it will obey you. It will obey out of respect, and a desire to please you. If you try and be it's equal, it will be offended that it was called by one who was weak, and unworthy of anything it has to give."

She blinked at that. Salamanders did not like coercion. They did not LIKE being controlled. Everything within her said that he was wrong. His magic would not work for her. She was human, not Fae. Only human, no more no less. Trying to corral, to control, a Fire Elemental, even one as small as salamander? Required an affinity, an ability to accept that somethings can not be controlled for long. Not with out working together.

She wanted to interrupt, to protest, to explain why he was wrong...but he spoke again. His voice deep and mellow, soothing like softest lamb wool.

"Prepare yourself for the summoning, but do not start. If there is anything that needs changing or correcting, it is better to do so before the summoning has started. You are capable of this, Danica, there is no doubt. But I will protect you if something goes awry."

'I will not give in...'

She thought that~ even as she rose and moved to stand before the fire, her eyes focusing on the flames that flickered and beckoned in the cool evening air. Her hands reached for the bag that held her gem stones~ the red jade, the ambergris and her herbs~course ground pepper, cinnamon, dragon's blood cone incense.

She forced herself to stop moving, to stop listening. She turned her head and gazed at him. And her words, when she spoke them were pulled from her throat.

"How can one of the Fae teach me to attract an Elemental in the way of a mortal? Our ways are not the same. Your path is not mine and I am not like you. How can I do magic in the way that you would? Why would an Elemental respond to me in the same way that it would to one of your kind?

Tell me this Sirrah, so that it makes sense to me."

Even as she spoke? Her hands fed bits of cedar chips to the fire, circled the fire pit with cat eyes and ambergris. Thirteen. A number of power. Deft fingers traced a rune for Fire....traced the letters~AUDERE~(To Know) above the flame using a lit twig.

She moved cat quiet, her hands building the power, directing the call. She never released it. She waited for him. Even while she hated herself for doing so, she waited for him.

 

[marauder13]

Alehandro watched intently as Danica slowly stood up to follow his instructions. He wondered whether it was some lack of faith in herself, or that she doubted him that caused the slight reluctance in her movements. It mattered little to him, because he would use either to further his goals regarding her. She would be powerful, a force to be reckoned with. But she would also be harmless towards him.

He stifled the laugh that threatened to escape as Danica started gathering her accoutrements for her summoning. He felt the innate affinities within the stones, recalling the times when he and his siblings would rely on such props until they learned the greater truth. He would share with her the same wisdom, teach her the same secrets they had learned. Of course, being human, and one touched with Power, she would be stubborn. 'Which makes her all the more fun to be with. That, and she has no idea about how she feels about me, and therefore how she feels about anything. Confusion is so much fun at times.'

"How can one of the Fae teach me to attract an Elemental in the way of a mortal? Our ways are not the same. Your path is not mine and I am not like you. How can I do magic in the way that you would? Why would an Elemental respond to me in the same way that it would to one of your kind?

Tell me this Sirrah, so that it makes sense to me."

Alehandro the the laugh finally escape. He let it pass quickly and left the broad smile rest on his face. He let his glittering eyes rest on hers, ignoring the temptation of gazing over her delightful form once again.

"How does any mentor teach their pupil? By passing on the knowledge they have gained to the one who seeks to learn. Now, the paths we walk may look different to you, but I am walking closer to the centre while you, my little one, are stumbling through the brambles and thickets along the edge.

"Now about the elemental. It cares little for how you are formed. It is more concerned with the spirit contained within. When it appears, it encases itself in flame. In their own place, they are made from other stuff of the universe. But they are the same spirit within. They recognize the power within as well. Elementals are as their names suggest, elemental. No matter how sophisticated they appear, they are still driving by powerful, simple urges. What you will do is call on one of those urges. You will make an irresistible call to one of them, and they will come because they desire to go to the caller.

"When they get here, then it is up to you to show you are worthy of calling them. All Elemental are proud creatures. So, being called by one who is not more powerful than they are is an insult. So, you need them to feel the power you have available, show them you are worthy of calling them. Then, they will be more accepting, and willing to bargain. Even amongst their own kind, there must be a deal; give and take."

Alehandro sauntered around to the other side of the fire, watching as Danica continued her summoning, using her props to focus her mind to shape the power to be released. He lowered himself into a squat, settled to stay for as long as he wished. He sensed the shaping, knowing it was crude, and wasted power. But she held it at the brink, needing to loosen her grip and let the call sail out to one of the Other Places.

"The most important lesson, Danica, is that there is truly only one way to wield the Power you have been given. The same way that I do. The same way the Elementals, Demons, Angels, even the Creatures Beyond the Pale do." His gaze bored into her eyes across the dancers of red, orange and blue. "I will grant you the wisdom to use your Powers to the best of your capabilities, Danica. Along the way, I will show you more of the real you, which will make you a better person, and a better user of the Power."

'I will show you the depths of the enjoyment that you never knew you had, and you will enjoy it regardless of how you feel about it. You will cry out in joy and fear and I will feast on both. And the Power within you will magnify it to make it finer than ambrosia.'

"Make the call, Danica. Remember, if you are in danger, I will prevent you from being harmed. Otherwise, you are on your own."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

His words made an odd sort of sense. They had a rhythm, the cadence of truth. He did not lecture, nor speak down to her. Instead, he tried to explain why his way would work for her. His words, the way that he spoke, moved, laughed, watched? They helped her to find a focus she was unaware of lacking.

Certain bits stuck in her head, resonating there for later perusal. Key phrases that hinted and explained...but not clearly. She let those words fill her up before pushing them out, releasing them until she could contemplate the truth of them to her own satisfaction.

Even so~

"They recognize the power within, as well."

and

"You will make an irresistible call to one of them, and they will come because they desire to go to the caller."

and

"Along the way, I will show you more of the real you, which will make you a better person, and a better user of the Power."

Finally, once he had stopped walking, once his soothing velvet voice had quieted, Danica forced herself to become still. Not just outwardly but all over, inside and out. She forced herself to breathe for the count of three~in and then out, building a circle of oxygen and carbon dioxide, counting the breaths to lull herself into a state of super~awareness.

When she was quieted, when her heart beat with the steadiness of a drum, she rose and walked her circle once more, removing stones that didn't suit, adding more herbs to the bale fire, ones that hadn't suggested themselves until now. Finally, everything felt...ready.

Danica pulled a small hand made lute from her bag and began to gently pluck the strings. Her voice made the calling on sound like a plea, a command, a DEMAND, one that had to be obeyed. She repeated the gentle air, the invocation, three separate times. Then she paused and allowed the power to build.

Again.

Repetition. The song. The call. Three times. Pause.

Again.

By the end of the ninth calling on, the fire had began to weave and flow with her voice, dancing to the music of the strings. Her focus was nigh on complete. For that moment~Alehandro did not exist. The world did not exist. All that mattered were the fading notes and the blinking of azure eyes from the depths of her need fire.

She released the power she had built and waited to see if the salamander trapped deep within her fire would deign to speak to her in something besides the crackle and hiss of flames. That small elemental did not disappoint.

He looks like a golden lizard with eyes that sparkle deepest blue. His head moves, left to right~questing, inspecting. Soon enough, he comes from the flames and approaches her. He curls there, by her feet, snout resting on forelimbs.His voice is small, quiet and heard only in her head.

"What do you wish?"

"To learn."

"Learn of?"

"Your realm"

"What will you trade?"

"What do you desire?"

"A small thing, for this first lesson. I want to taste your essence."

"I will not bleed for you."

"Then a sip of whiskey, a dram, do it please you."

"you will not leave, until I have returned?"

"So I say."

Danica stood up, her eyes going to Alehandro.

"He wishes brandy for a lesson. You will remain, please?"

The Fae Lord did not respond, only looking at her through ancient eyes. With no answer forthcoming, Danica had no choice but to trust that he would be here when she returned. She retreated to her home, as she didn't have any whiskey nor brandy by her circle.

She hoped she could trust the Fae Lord not to pervert what she was attempting.

 

[marauder13]

He observed. He locked his senses on Danica so tightly that she aught to have felt them. He delved into her way of shaping the Power, sensing what worked well, and what needed work. She was haphazard, stumbling and splashing power about her as she readied her call. He promised he would make her a better user of her Power, and he would fulfill that deal for her. In turn, he would show her exactly who she was, and what she wanted. He knew that he would greatly benefit from both.

He ratcheted up his smile when he heard her command and demanding that the spirit answer her call. There was no need to command, nor demand. The call was irresistible to them. They could not stop themselves from answering any more than a human could not hold their breath for an hour. Yet she continued her call, three times three. Each speaking of her call magnified her power, bent it into the shape she desired.

Finally, she released the power. Alehandro felt the passage and heard the connection and response. He nodded slightly, acknowledging Danica's success in her calling. He saw the golden gecko take form within the flames, sensing the environment into which it was called. He knew that the elemental knew of his presence, as he chose not to hide himself from anyone, nor anything.

He heard only one half of the bargain between them. In time, he would hear Danica's thoughts whenever he chose to listen to them. But what he heard from the salamander was enough to allow him to take the proper course of action the situation presented to him. He feigned ignorance of their bargaining, watching Danica as she dealt with the what was probably the first element she had summoned.

He allowed himself the pleasure of watching her move once more. He was like a child, being shown the new toy; eager to get his hands on it and play with it himself. He reminded himself to be patient. The right time was fast approaching.

"He wishes brandy for a lesson. You will remain, please?"

Alehandro let his gaze fall on her eyes, trying to pierce the curtains and look into her very soul and see what delights lurked within. Her question was not worth answering, as he had no desire to be anywhere else. When she finally realized that he was not going to lower himself to answer a question with such an obvious correct answer, she turned and went to fetch the needed alcohol.

Alehandro approached the salamander naturally. He showed neither caution nor aggression. "So, my pupil refused to let you taste of her? Such a pity. I will have to work on that. But, in return for a small favour from you, I am more than willing to let you sup on my essence."

The small head turned slightly, all attention fixed on Alehandro. "What do you seek in the bargain?"

"Nothing much. I seek for you to deal with her properly, in accordance to the bargain the two of you have struck. But more importantly, you must inform my pupil that I am indeed the best mentor she will find. There are none better than I."

There was a small puff of smoky steam as the salamander lifted his head off his forelimbs. Alehandro extended his little finger of his left hand so the tip was close to the lizard's maw. With a quick lunge, the salamander bit the tip of his finger, lapping up the drop of blood that welled up from the wound.

"Done. I will speak highly of your mentorship of your pupil."

"Thank you, most noble member of the Court of Fire. I shall speak well of you the next time I am in Court." Alehandro stood up, and returned to the place where he observed Danica, and resumed the exact same pose. As was the deal between Danica and the elemental, the deal between them was a private affair. Nothing was breached, all honour upheld.

And Danica was going to take a few steps closer to the goal he had for her. "All in all, a very good evening, I'd say."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Danica retreated into her kitchen and found a small shot glass. Opening up a new bottle of single malt, she poured a healthy measure and closed the bottle, storing it in the depths of her freezer. A few moments later, she had returned to the space that housed the fire elemental and her tutor.

"Here you go."

The shot glass was placed just before the salamander. He? She? Did elementals have differing sexes like mortal or Fae kind? She shook those thoughts away with a wry smile and waited for the salamander to finish the whiskey.

Once the dram was done, she reached for the shot glass and put it aside, focusing all of her attention on the gorgeous red/gold gleam of lizard that basked in the flickering flames of her need fire. Finally, the elemental's voice whispered into her head.

'I am pleased. Ask your questions. Three is the number of answers I will give.'

Danica thought for moment~wording and discarding question after question until she found the three she wanted answered.

"Is the demand/command needed to gain your attention?"

Husky, sibilant laughter.

'No. The raising of magic is all that is needed~at least for small players like myself.'

She nodded once. The second question forming next.

"Will he lead me astray?'

'No. His way will work for you if you follow his instructions. You must remember~ the Fae have had uncounted eons to master their craft. Trust is needed. He will be a great mentor. He has much to teach.'

Her brow wrinkled. She had thought her first question would have precluded this answer. After all he had told her demand/command was needed. Unless he planned on showing her how to draw stronger creatures to her need fire.

'Will you tell me of your home?'

'I am from the realm of fire~of molten rocks given form and substance through heat haze. Our ruler is Djin. Head of the force of fire. Lord of firedrakes and salamanders. You call us for help with purification, sexual lore, love. Learning things that are hidden We are the heat and thrust of learning, of strength, of banishing.'

Silence.

Danica shook her head, taking in the wealth of information in those few sentences. When she had assimilated the knowledge, she rose and gave the salamander a brief nod.

"I thank you for the lesson."

Hands clapped~ loudly~ and the fire rose up, flaring against the night sky. When the need fire had died down, the pretty lizard was gone. She turned then and smiled at Alehandro.

"Have I done it correctly?"

She didn't wait for an answer, not then. Instead she gathered up her supplies, repacking them in her bag before moving to settle herself on a camp chair to his left. Her wide eyes focused on his face for just a moment before she tore them away.

She could become enthralled by his beauty if she were not careful.

 

[marauder13]

With barely restrained excitement, Alehandro remained still as he watched Danica fulfill her side of the bargain struck with the Fire Elemental. His eyes glittered with more than reflected fire light as she preapred to ask her first question.

"Is the demand/command needed to gain your attention?"

He couldn't help but smile broadly at the boldness of her question. He knew that she doubted him, but he never thought she would have the courage to speak her question openly and brazenly in his presence. Some attempt at subtlety he expected, clumsily done of course. But that took all his will to suppress gales of laughter.

Of course, he heard the creature's reply, but he would not reveal that to Danica. He would let her believe that he was unaware of how the creature responded. He remained intent on his apprentice as she continued her questions, and the answers she gained. He was pleased that she was able to look beyond the words and see the greater meanings that lay beyond. But still, there was some wisdom that she missed, because her views still clouded her mind. But in time, they would no longer bother her.

The flames danced once more, reaching high into the sky as the gateway to the plane of Fire widened enough to allow the elemental to return to its home before resuming being a normal, mundane campfire.

"Have I done it correctly?"

His grin was full of mirth, cheekiness and a slight touch of adult wickedness. "You did well, Danica. Though, I was a little hurt at the question about whether I would lead you astray." Alehandro rose with a melodramatic flourish of one with a pained heart. "I hope that the answer was satisfactory? For I will not be leading you astray at all, and hopefully the wise and noble elemental spoke to of that knowledge?"

He walked over to where she sat, his gaze turning almost predatory when she turned her eyes away form him. One hand swept down, easily slipping between her and the seat. The thin, long fingers cleaving a gap between them and allowing the passage of the remainder of his hand until she was sitting on his palm. With little effort at all, he lifted her from her seat. His other arm encircled her, drawing her closer to his body until they were pressed together firmly. The hand that was not holding her aloft secured the back of her head, allowing him to claim her mouth with a searing kiss full of raw, tumultuous passion. Great thunderous blows of lust crashed over them both as Alehandro poured unchecked emotions through his mouth into Danica's. Lips, tongue and teeth clashed, danced, tempted and teased through an ancient dance of love, lust, passion and desire. Alehandro's body grew hot, seeming to threaten to burn and scar Danica's body with the heat that welled within.

His long fingers fisted in her hair, bending her neck back, parting their lips while opening her neck to his blazing hot lips and tongue. "Tell me, Danica," her name drifting off into a long, warm sigh, "are you doing it correctly now?"

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

"You did well, Danica. Though, I was a little hurt at the question about whether I would lead you astray."

Of course, he would pounce on the second question, rather than the first one. Danica gave a bit of a half hearted shrug, her eyes widening imperceptibly as he stood up and stalked closer. It took a moment for the rest of his words to capture her attention. She was too busy being frightened by his predatory movements and wanting, no needing, to get up and move.

"I hope that the answer was satisfactory? For I will not be leading you astray at all, and hopefully the wise and noble elemental spoke to you of that knowledge?"

She opened her mouth to stammer some sort of reply, her normally strong alto giving a credible imitation of Marilyn Monroe's breathy soprano through no will of her own.

"The...the answer...was...um...yeah."

The words stopped as his hand traced her spine, dragging her upward with a strength his long, lean body kept hidden. She found herself cradled against him, her mouth an open receptacle for anything he chose to do with it. He chose to ravish her using only teeth, tongue and warmth. Danica could feel his heat, his strength and it left her breathless.

Battered.

Unsure.

When he released her mouth, it was only to growl low words against the frantic pulse in her throat. Hands that she had forgotten about gripped his shoulders, low whimpering sighs broke the stillness.

'Is that me? Am I making those noises?'

His words finally penetrated her heated mind and she forced herself to relax, to let go, to become limp.

"I am not sure. You don't feel like my preferred kissing partners. Why don't you tell me if I am doing it correctly?"

And then, her right hand rose to tangle in the length of his hair and she took HIS mouth...turning the passion into something slow, soft, sensual, soothing, seductive.

Sweet.

And when the kiss ended~she was back on the ground. Her body pressed tightly against his, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. She could feel the strain of the position in the arches of her feet. She sank down from tip toes and glanced up at him from beneath lowered lashes.

"So...?"