Witches Brew

[EarthWind]

Eva was glad James agreed to go with her. For a moment she was afraid he would want to go home. It was late, but she didnt feel tired. Rather, she felt energized.

They walked for a bit, Eva leading James deeper into the forest. It was all familiar and she would have rathered stepped more quickly, but she had James with her and she took her time.

Finally, they reached the clearing which was Eva's destination. She took off her bag and placed it in the crook of a fallen log. Opening it, she took out a long candle and a flint. After a moment the candle lit and she placed it in another small hole on the log.

Eva turned around and took James' hand in her own. It was warm despite the cool air, and concidering he wasn't wearing any gloves. She pulled him along behind her until they reached the middle of the clearing. The moon by now had reached its full hight. A few stars dotted the night sky and Eva searched for own. She saw it, and blew a kiss. Looking back at James, she saw he was looking around, unsure what to think.

"One reason I've brought you here" Eva said, taking his other hand, as James focused his eyes on her, "is to tell you why your father dislikes my father so much. When you were around 2 years old, your mother had another baby. My mother was there to help with the birth, but the babe was to weak to breath on its own. My mother tried to help it, yet every step she took didnt work. It died in her arms. Your father never forgave my mother." Eva paused, lowering her head.
"Once, when my father went to your store, they got into an argument. I don't know what about, and ever since then they've hated each other. But I don't hate you". Eva sighed, then placed James hands around her waist and leaned forward, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I thought you knew, but when you asked why I didnt hate you, I knew I had to tell you the truth."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James Breaks Down

The cool air blew through James's hair as he followed Eva throught the forest. He looked around wearily. Now he was sure he had never been here before.

She stopped him when they reached a clearing in the forest. The way the moon and stars were shining down through inot thus hole in the forest gave everything a refined, almost warm glow. He watched Eva work with a candle on a log. He was about to ask if she needed any help, but she seemed to have it under control. Instead, he focused merely on watching her. The soft glow from the moon shone down on her, and she looked like an angel from the books James had. He took in a deep breath to try and calm himself. He instead focused on the surroundings, the trees, the bushes, and the stars. He turned back around when Eva took his hand in hers. He stared at her eyes intently as she spoke. He listened to her whole story.

When she finished telling the story, James's mouth was agape and his mind was on fire. Was she telling him the truth? Why would his father lie to him like that? What was he supposed to think?!?

He felt Eva wrap her arms around him and place her head on his shoulder. ""I thought you knew, but when you asked why I didnt hate you, I knew I had to tell you the truth." She whispered.

James wasn't sure if it was the tone of her voice, the sincerity of her words, the wamth of her touch, or the look in her eyes that convinced him, but at that moment he knew who to believe.

"Father...He told me mother had a miscarraige...He told me your family stole our land...He told me mom passed away because of your mother's faulty medicine...he's been lying to me forever..."
James mumbled, spacing out. He shut his eyes tightly. "He's turned me against your family because of his stupid pride...I've been so foolish..."

James brought his arms up and encircled Eva's waist. He hugged her tightly. His eyes began to water slightly. Everything he believed in...Everyone he had trusted...had turned against him, had proven false. He had noone...

He opened his eyes and looked down at the girl in his arms. Well, he had this...

He used his hand to lift up her chin so that she was looking at him. "Thank you, Eva. Thank you for taking the risk of coming to tell me." He stared longingly into her eyes and moved his hand from her chin so that it lightly brushed her cheek. "And I'm sorry, Eva. I'm sorry for being foolish...D-do you forgive me?"

 

[EarthWind]

Eva could hear James' heart beating as her head rested on him. Never had she been this close to someone before.. having him hold her the way he was did something to her, something that she had felt before when she watched him, but not this strong.

When he lifted her chin so she was looking at him, she saw the tears in his eyes. She wanted to cry with him, to share this moment with him forever.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James Takes A Chance

James looked into her emerald eyes and saw she was beginning to cry too. The look in her gaze conveyed all the emotion he needed to know. She had forgiven him. He smiled as he cupped her face in his hands. He used one hand to brush the tears off of her face.

Not knowing quite what he was doing, he followed the instinct in his heart. He leaned into her face, drawing her closer with his hands. He pressed his lips against hers, kissing her with the years of forbidden passion that he had built up.

 

[EarthWind]

The taste of his lips as they pressed against hers sent shivers through her body. She had never expected to feel like this. Being with him was like standing in the middle of moonlight, warm and special. His arms around her held her protectivily. She never felt more alive.

For a moment, she pulled back, looking into his eyes once more. Her heart wanted to remain and never look back, but her mind told her of other things that had not been said, that needed to be said. Eva raised her hand to his cheek, taking the tear that rested there upon her fingertip. Bending down, his hands now released from her, she placed her fingers on top of the ground, pressing them into the earth.

“We all begin from here” she said. “And we shall return someday, back to the Goddess. I am bound to her, my life follows her love.” Eva looked up at James, unsure of what to say next. What if he didn’t understand, what if he realizes his father could have been right about her and her family?

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James

James was so lost in the kiss, it was like a cold slap when she pulled away. He felt like he just lost a piece of himself, but the look in her eyes told him she had things to tell him. She bent down and touched the dirt. “We all begin from here” she said. “And we shall return someday, back to the Goddess. I am bound to her, my life follows her love.” Her eyes moved back into his eyes. The confused look in his eyes seemed to put fear into her.

James didn't know what to say. The Goddess? Was that like...God? Begin in the Earth? Go back to the Earth? What about Heaven? Or souls? Didn't she believe in God? Was she a pagan? What was she trying to tell him? He didn't understand a thing she was saying!

His eyes searched hers. Something in the way she saw him...it said something about what she meant. Garret once told him that eyes were the windows into the soul...he seemed to be able to see her soul...and it told him she believed in what she said, more belief than his father ever had.

He knelt down by her, forming what he wanted to say. He placed his hand on hers. "Eva..I don't understand any of what you just told me." Her eyes registered shock and pain, so James quickly added: "But I want to learn. If you'll teach me."

 

[astralkiss]

Charity Smith: Confusing Feelings

Charity tugs on her long red braid, walking slowly, tendrils escaping from it and glowing scarlet like embers in the moonlight.

Her less than slim, slightly robust, definitely well-fed figure (36d-29-36) clad in luxurious yet drab fabrics of brown, rust and cream sways slightly as she walks to the blacksmith's house, to ask for her father's order, not knowing what it is and not caring at all.

Charity's favourite hobbies include reading anything but the Bible, imagining being everywhere but here, wishing for colored clothing and dancing, all of which get her frequently punished to the point of rarely is it a day where she doesn't have some kind of mark on her back.

Her full lips, almost sinful and pouty, are nibbled upon as she goes to the house, her cloak pulled close around her, her hair coiled and shoved up into her bonnet.

Because of her sinful figure, bright green eyes and fiery red hair, and both of her parents having only lightly tinted red hair, and green blue eyes, she is looked upon with suspicion, even by her parents.

Alert green eyes dart around her surroundings as she walks from her house in the middle of town to the blacksmith's house, not really sure who she will run into her or what she will do when she reaches there.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

"You are welcome my dear,"

She smiled and watched the fire, a wistful faraway look in her eyes.

"So, how have things been?"

Martha clasped her hands about her tea and responded automatically;

”Ohhh.. fine… “

The tone forced, casual, bright, the message. “I cope, don’t ask too many questions.” She sipped her tea then and caught his eye. What it was that drove her to honesty, she wasn’t sure. He just looked kind and she thought perhaps he might understand.

”Not that good… “

She admitted softly, almost reluctantly.
He nodded and spoke gently.

"I tried to stop by a few times before, see if you needed some wood chopped or just other chores to be done, but you seem to have things pretty well done up over there. I hope your getting along well."

She smiled and pulled her eyes away quickly.

”It’s not the wood chopping or the other chores, although they take more organising now … it’s just…. “

She hesitated, but continued to speak, a blush on her cheek.

” … just being so lonely .. .especially in the evenings … at night … “

She shrugged, not meeting his eye.

”I suppose it is something I will get used to … “

She sighed softly and sipped her tea.

 

[poohlive]

Garret thought to say more, maybe comfort her, but he wasn't sure if she would accept. He always knew her to be a complicated woman, not hard so to speak, but very much on her own. She and her husband always liked it alone.
Such a horrible thing to happen to her.
"I usually have my evenings alone as well. Sitting here by the fire, resting up. Been here most of my life. Father used to own this land, you know. A farmer, I sold the farm to a few others, and kept the house and barn, for my business."
He took a si of his tea, knowing that he babbled on again. Comfort in talking about certain things, he supposed. Nothing wrong with letting her in, he had been known as the frisnd of the town. Sharing, caring, and anything nice. One of his trademarks.
"I didn't realize how bad it was over there. I guess you're right, being in that house, especially at night..."
The house, crowding around you, making it hard to breath. Memories lingering in the air, impossible to forget, but hurting so much to remember.
He put on a bit of a fake smile.
"If you want, I could keep you company some nights. We don't live too far from each other. I never have plans at night much anyway, except right here at the hearth. Much more homely talking to someone, makes it feel important."
He got up to check on the man, who still sleep in peace on his bed.
"He's fine."
Garret went to get another round of tea for them.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

"I usually have my evenings alone as well. Sitting here by the fire, resting up. Been here most of my life. Father used to own this land, you know. A farmer, I sold the farm to a few others, and kept the house and barn, for my business."

Martha nodded, listening to him.
She smiled softly, happy to be taken into his confidence, so nice to be ... sharing ... again, even just mundane facts. It was little things she missed.

"I didn't realize how bad it was over there. I guess you're right, being in that house, especially at night..."

Martha opened her mouth to tell him that it wasn't "bad" ... just different ... but ... she was finding it difficult living alone, in this place, this community. She had no idea how to get out and make friends with the neighbours she had pretty much brushed aside, although that had been more from her husband's insistence, than a lack of society on her part.

"If you want, I could keep you company some nights.
We don't live too far from each other. I never have plans at night much anyway, except right here at the hearth.
Much more homely talking to someone, makes it feel important."

Martha felt herself flush.

"That's not necessary, Mr Longfield, I'm fine... really .. it's ... "

She watched as he went to check the injured man.

"He's fine."

He commented, ignoring her response and going to fetch tea.
What would the neighbours think if they spent the occasional evening together? Tongues would wag, or was that her suspicious mind, the view her husband had drummed into her, to keep to herself and not give any one cause for gossip. These were dangerous times, he had told her, but she didn't know why.

Accepting the offered tea, Martha smiled admitting.

"It's things like this I miss, tea, fire, "homely talking"..."

She smiled shyly.

"You're very kind, Garret... "

She flushed realising suddenly that she'd used his first name, then looked at him uncertainly. She ached for company, his company so freely offered, but ...

"Perhaps some day, you'd like to come visit ... exchange of a meal in return for the occasional evening's tea and chat ... ?"

She suggested quietly, unsure of his reaction and not wanting to give the wrong impression, appear too forward, or desperate ...

 

[poohlive]

"That would be delightful, thank you kindly. I haven't had a good home cooked meal in a while. Mostly salted pork and crackers around here. I go up to the city to eat once in a while, but that food is always too greasy for my stomach."
He foundi t easy to talk to her, little things popping out of his mouth before he could even stop them. A bit of a slurred tongue he had. His eyes went down to the tea, if he didn't know any better, he'd sworn a drop or two of burbon had been planted in here.
That sure would explain things.
"I would adore the hospitality, and the food. It would be a delightful way to pass the evening some time. I must admite I'm not that good of a cook. Burn things more than I actually cook them. I can make a mean stew though, that's about it."
He gave off his own little chuckle at that. He did enjoy having someone here to talk to. It made the whole room light up.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

"That would be delightful, thank you kindly. I haven't had a good home cooked meal in a while. Mostly salted pork and crackers around here. I go up to the city to eat once in a while, but that food is always too greasy for my stomach."

Martha smiled, reassured.

"I love to cook and bake, but when you're alone ... it seems pointless ... and besides ... I don't eat as much as I did ... "

She could feel his eyes wander over her slight frame.
She ate, but would often make do with something quick from the larder, rather than go to the trouble of cooking a hot meal.
Cooking for a guest wuld be a pleasure.

"I'd enjoy preparing and sharing a meal with you Mr Longfield. Company increases the appetite... "

She dimpled him a shy smile.

"I would adore the hospitality, and the food. It would be a delightful way to pass the evening some time.
I must admit I'm not that good of a cook. Burn things more than I actually cook them. I can make a mean stew though, that's about it."

She giggled.

" So not all the smoke I see is caused by your trade ... I will have to be vigilant, in case I need to come running with a pale to extinguish your supper ... "

She caught his eye as he chuckled and feigned wide eyed innocence.

"After all, that would be the neighbourly thing to do, would it not to Mr Strongfield?"

Turning her gaze to the fire, she let a smile play on her lips.

"Your stew sounds fine though, not many men could cook even that ... "

She looked at him curiously.

"Tell me ... have you always lived alone ... ?"

He was a man she had not been much acquainted with and was not privvy to town gossip. He had been alone throughout the few years she had lived here and wondered at him being constantly alone.

 

[dreamwvr1290]

Leah Woods

Leah finds herself walking along the dark path to the wood. The only light is cast from the moon. Keeping pace along side of her is Arthur, a large hybred wolf.

Mother sent her to look for Eva, her older sister by 1 year. Eva should of been back from looking at Mrs. Ohare's sprained wrist by now.

Eva has the gift of healing, like their mother Amber. Where as Leah has a gift with animals. Since she was little, she was always caring for wounded or sick animals, be it a turtle or a hawk. It is almost if she and the animals understand eachother.

Leah loves her family, and the small town they live in. Even though it is not perfect. She and Eva are very close. Sisters and best friends.

As Leah enters the wood she is not afraid because Arthur is by her side. They walk on for a bit. Leah hears soft talking up ahead, in a clearing. Walking quietly she looks around a tree. There is Eva! But who is with her? She can not make out the words they exchange. She does know the boy, it is James Gilder! Why in the world is Eva with him. He is the son of Mr. Gilder who owns the shop in town. The Woods and the Gilders have been sworn enemies since anyone can remember. Leah can hardly believe it.

Not wanting to give herself away, She and Arthur turn and walk back the way they came.

As they again reach the edge of the woods Leah tellls Authur that they will sit here and wait for Eva. She hopes that it will not be a long wait. Eva had better have a good tale to tell!

 

[Paendragon]

Redfeather

His dreams carried him places, places that seemed familiar, yet not.

He floated through consciuosness... and seemingly through air.

Below he saw a small village, smoke drifting upward from chimneys, windows flickering gently.

Through the woods he went... a woman, familiar to him, and a boy who was not. Locked in an intimate embrace.

Onward, to a girl... and a large wolf, but not a wolf... not by the feel of the animal. He could see the wolf look upward at him, the beginnings of a growl in its throat, but silencing when it realizes he was no threat.

The animal was fascinating to him. Its shape apealing... calling to him...

He felt his flesh change - although it was not truly flesh at all - his legs shortened only slightly, his feet and toes changing. He looked down at his hands, barely visible to his own eyes at first, they were shortening. The nails became pointed, the palms of his hands compacting, and becoming padded. Then the fur sprouted.

Suddenly, he could feel gravity grab him. Grabbing at a solid bdy, not spirit. He panicked.

He felt himself pulled backward, as if by a rope, backward toward what he now knew was his own body. He slammed into it roughly, and gasped, pulling a breath into him. His throat filled with spit, and he hacked out a cough, making his side burn with a hard, sharp pain.

His eyes fluttered open.

He was in a home. One of those from the village. One of the two-legs! He knew what the two-legs did to his kind. He had seen the skinned carcasses, lieing rotting in the sun. He growled low in his throat, and rolled off of whatever he had been laying on, and came up in a crouch, ready for anything. He landed awkwardly, his legs seeming to be the wrong length.

Everything felt fuzzy. Suddenly there was another in his head, one who was familiar with this body, and the unusual paws.

No wait, he was that person.

His wits slowly returned, as the last of the wolf left him.

There was a man and a woman there, staring at him, semmingly surprised. His hand went to his wound, and found it bandaged, and no doubt cleaned.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

Martha was lost in the cosy conversation about the fireplace.
She had put her tea down and was absently knotting her fingers through her shawl as they talked.

The coughing caused her body to jump in fright.
She had temporarily forgotten about the injured man.
Garret put out a hand and laid it reassuringly on her arm.

"Seems he's coming round."

She nodded and blushed, ashamed at being so foolish and ashamed of having forgotten the reason for being under his roof.

She looked over at the man and watched as his eyelids fluttered open. She stood and walked slowly to stand in front of him.
The shawl lay on the chair she had vacated. Her fair hair was tumbled about her shoulders, as the firelight caught, producing flecks which almost sparkled, her complexion was pale, the rosiness from the fire's heat had left as she stared anxiously now at their patient.

"Will he be OK..?"

She whispered, speaking to her neighbour, rather than the native whose eyes were now drawn to her.

 

[poohlive]

At first his eyes trailed to the gun, still fresh on over the mantle. The cool steel of the barrel comforted him, but he only glanced, nothing more.
This man was in no shape to fight, even if he did feel up to taking some revenge.
Garret stood between the now concious man, and Martha, who had gotten up. He had been afraid of this man before, wondering what would happen when he did wake, but he didn't want Martha in the house. He could take care of himself, but with her...
Too many variables.
"We mean you no harm," his words soft, cooing almost. The fire in that mans eyes burned into him. Wild and untamed, something that both intrigued and scared him.
This man, unlike any other he had ever met.
"You were hurt," he pointed at the few scrapes on his body, "We only want to help you."
He wondered if the man even spoke english. He only knew a few words in a native tongue, and he doubted if it were the language the indian knew. From what little info had been gathered, the natives here had hundreds of languages, with different dialects.
Still, it was better than speaking in a foreign tongue to the man.
He pointed to himself, "Help. Here, help."
He pointed to the man, still crouching, "Injured, hurt."
Then he took out the pouch of medicince, Eva had given him, "Herbs, help, medicine."
A horrible attempt, but he had no other way. The man obviously distrusted them. Most natives distrusted them, it was just the way of life. His people took pride in getting rid of their people. Trust was a big issue nowadays.

 

[EarthWind]

Eva couldn’t hide her happiness, her face shone like the moon, her eyes yearning to share with James everything that was within her. She stood up and pulled him up beside her, keeping his hand in hers. It still felt warm, but the night air was getting cooler. They needed to build a fire.

“I know of a wood pile, just to the side. If you want to gather some wood I can build a fire”.

James nodded his head and gave Eva a squeeze with his hand. Eva giggled, and squeezed back. Letting go, Eva returned to where she had left her bag on the log. When she got back to the center, James had already started a collection of twigs and branches. She pulled out her flint and steel, and soon they had a nice little blaze. Eva motioned for James to sit down across from her, she herself standing. She took off her jacket and gloves, picked up her bag and removed another candle. This one had red specs in the white wax, the wick itself a rich blue. She bent over the fire and lit the wick.

“Listen with your heart, as well as with your ears” Eva told James, “And if at any time you feel uneasy, tell me to stop.”

With a grin, James nodded, his curiosity growing. Eva now stood in front of him in her long brown dress, her hair hanging loose around her shoulders. A slight wind picked up the strands, brushing her hair over her eyes and face. James thought she never looked more beautiful.

Eva took a few steps back from the fire, then turned around to face the edge of the clearing. Holding up her candle in front of her, she focused on its flame, her mind encompassing the fire that burned within herself.

“I show my light to the moon and call upon the Guardians of the East. I invite thee, my protectors to watch over my circle this night. Taste the honey of life and the sweetness of love.” Bending down, she touched her hand to the earth and invited its spirit to join her circle.

Moving to the right, Eva walked around in a circle until she reached the next compass point and stopped. With her candle still raised in the air, she called upon the Guardians of the South, and again she bent down, inviting the spirit of the animals to join her circle. She continued to walk around the invisible lines of her circle, this time stopping in back of James. He turned around to see her, her words filling his heart with warmth. He was unsure
of what she was doing, but it was magical.

Eva repeated her words, first calling the Guardians of the West, then moving to the next compass point and calling the Guardians of the North. She finished the circle by walking back to the East, then returned to the fire where she sat down, inviting James to sit beside her. He got up and walked around the fire, which now seemed to glow from all around them and James noticed it didn’t feel as cold as before. Even the ground felt warmer as he sat near Eva.

Eva placed the candle a small distance away beside her, and kept the wick burning. Next, she picked up her bag and smiling at James, took out a glass bottle with a dark liquid and a small wooden box. She took the cork out of the bottle and just before she took a sip, she poured a small amount on the ground in front of her. Passing it to James, she motioned for him to take a sip too. He made a surprised face as the sticky liquid ran down his throat.

“Honey” he stated. “But how...”

Eva shushed him with her finger before he could continue and took the bottle back from him, placing the cork back in. Picking up the wooden box she held it for a moment. Still without speaking, she lifted the lid and took out a small piece of candy and placed it on the honey drip. Taking a piece of candy herself, she popped it into her mouth and offered one to James, which he happily accepted and began to suck on.

By now, both of them were fairly warm and James was ready to take off his coat, placing it on the other side of him. Eva reached out with her hand and rested it on his knee. He turned to face her, and realized for the first time how Eva’s face had changed. She was still the young girl he arrived here with, but now there was a mystery that surrounded her, one he still did not understand.

“Anything that is said from now on must not leave this circle. I am trusting you with knowledge that has been passed down for generations in my family. If any one ever found out about us, I don’t know what might happen.”

 

[blueeyedangel]

Emily

Emily had been traveling the hard road for years. Having left her parent’s home at 14 she was unnecessarily wizened to the ways of the world. She had been to every town in a 700 mile radius, sometimes catching a ride in someone’s cart, sometimes behind someone on their horse but usually just walking. She slept anywhere she could find warmth, there had been many people along the way friendly enough to let her sleep in their barns and offering her plates of food. It seemed everyone had a soft spot for the petite raven haired girl who seemed to come and go with the breeze. She never stayed long in one place, always seeking the one person who could teach her everything she was destined to learn.

Having come from a family of healers, Emily spent much of her childhood watching over other’s shoulders while they performed their tasks of healing, from gathering herbs all the way up to watching rituals. What she hadn’t had, though, was formal training as to the ways of a healer. She seemed to have an aptitude for healing only by using her hands and the energies of Mother Earth. She only wished she could learn to focus it better.

Things had gotten ugly in the little town she was raised in; her family wasn’t as accepted as they had been previously. People moved out of their way when one of them came toward them with whispers of “Those people” on their lips and in their eyes. So took Emily to the bitter, lonely road. Though ‘her kind’ were tending to stay to themselves these days, she was sure she could find someone to stay with, someplace she would be safe and possibly carve out a niche for herself.

So she found herself walking through the woods on this night, a slight chilly breeze in the air but a clear pleasant night nonetheless. She knew there was someone ahead for she saw some smoke and the flickering shadows from a fire. She knew enough to not jump right into their camp, it could mean death if she ran into the wrong people. Quietly she walked towards them, not even a twig crack gave her away. Pushing aside a leafy branch she saw two people, a woman and a man, in the middle of what appeared to be a ritual. She didn’t want to interrupt but wondered if these people would be able to help her. Walking back around to the other side of the tree where she couldn't see them anymore she settled in to wait until they moved again, hoping beyond hope that these people were who she was seeking.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James

James watched Eva perform her rituals uneasily. His breathing was quickening again. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go through with this anymore. He was beginning to have second thoughts as he watched her chant about Guardians and compass points. James glanced about wearily. He could have sworn he saw figures in the distance, but when he blinked, they were gone. He attributed it to the lack of sleep.

When she finished, she brought James into the circle. James gathered up the courage to follow her in. This was the kind of thing his father and mother had forbid him from learning, and he was going to do it now. He sat down by her. He noticed the ground and air was much warmer.

He watched as she poured a thick liquid into a cup. His eyes focused on her as she sipped the liquid then passed it to him. James cautiously accepted the cup and took a sip. That's funny. This tastes like...

"Honey." he stated. "But how..."

Eva silenced him with a finger and offered him a honey-dipped candy, which he accepted gratefully. It was really beginning to warm up and James took his coat off and placed it by his side. When he turned back around, his heart stopped. Eva had changed. She still had the same appearance, but her eyes had changed. The green eyes no longer showed innocence, but instead it portrayed mystery. James lost his composure and began to sweat a little. He didn't know what had happened to her, but Eva was different now.

“Anything that is said from now on must not leave this circle. I am trusting you with knowledge that has been passed down for generations in my family. If any one ever found out about us, I don’t know what might happen.” Her voice had a pleading tone but an undeniable tone of force as well. James swallowed to get his voice back.

"Of c-course." He said, trying to maintain his composure. "Anything you say is completely between us. It will be our secret." Eva smiled and her eyes lightened as well. James took another deep breath. He was in this now...He waited for her to say what she wanted to tell him.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

Martha watched nervously as Garrett put himself between her and the injured native.

She hovered behind him as she heard him try to communicate.
She felt a twinge of unease. She did not know if the appearance of this native was merely troublesome, or if it could potentially be dangerous.

Without realising, she laid a hand on Garret's arm, seeking his reassurance as the native moved, trying to heave himself upright and stared at them.

His appearance was strange and as he stood upright, his eyes, his demeanour seemed hostile. Martha moved her body behind her neighbour's, pressing unconsciously against him as she hoped that it was merely her nervous fancy, which led her to think this way.

She leaned forward to whisper nervously in Garrett's ear.

"Is he ... safe... now he's conscious?"

He could clearly hear that her concern had turned from the native's welfare, to their own safety.

 

[Paendragon]

Redfeather

As his head cleared, he began to recognise their words. It was Anglesh, or something close. He had been forced to learn some, as part of his formal training. A little at least...

"Medicine?"

Obviously, it had been they who had helped him. He stood slowly, before the man, only then noticing his size. Where Redfeather, was lean and muscled, the man before him was built like a bull.

He walked toward where he had been laying, and sat slowly. He looked at the man, and then stared at the woman. Both so different from his people. He looked at her again, studying her hair, and how fair she was. Then back to the man.

"Medicine. Thank to you." He sat stiffly, ready to run at a moments notice, and fight if need be. Although he would surely not last long.

He brought his hand to his face, and tapped a finger against his lips.

"Water?"

 

[poohlive]

Garret eyed the man sit down, his features kept taut on his body. He didn't move, only pressing back into Martha. The weight of her body next to his comforted him so.
"I think he's better," he said, "Get some water."
Garret walked as calm and cautious as he could over to the man. There was no common language, just a few things they could each understand. He truly had no way to tell this man things would be ok.
In all honesty, how did he know? If word got out that he was helping a native, they would be out here in a heartbeat with pitchforks and fires, ready to string him up before he got back to the others. They feared indians more than anything. Hate and bigotry were a bad combination.
He hoped Eva and James kept quiet about the whole thing. The last thing he needed was to be outed as a sympathizer.
The wounds, nothing like a bear. He applauded Eva for her courage and faith, but he knew a wound caused by humans when he saw one. This man had met something worse than a bear this night.
No wonder he was on the edge.
"Water is coming," he said unsure if the man even understood.

 

[dreamwvr1290]

Leah Woods

Leah grows tired. The soothing sounds of the night surrounding her. The crickets, the grass gently swaying in the breeze, the hoot of an owl calling to his mate. She lay with her head nestled in the soft fur of Arthur. His eyes were closed, but she knew from experience that he was ever alert. She thought she heard a growl deep inside of him, but it was gone almost before it had begun.

As sleep was about to overcome her, her thoughts drifted to when she and Arthur became companions. About 6 years ago....... It was a tragic begining, but maybe a story worth telling.

I have always loved walking in the woods. No matter the season or time of day. As each hour aproaches to over take the previous one, the woods change. It is never the same and always fascinating.

It is a beautiful fall morning. The leaves ablaze with color. This is my favorite time of year. I usually walk for a few hours each morn. As I walk I am always watchful for plants that Mother might need. I always carry a bag over my shoulder.

The wood grows thicker and deeper. I have yet to explore this part. Up ahead I see a small shack. There is no smoke coming from the chimney. As I approach, I see the most horrifying thing.......5 wolf pelts stretched on poles, still dripping with blood. I have seen a couple of these wolves, part of a pack that roam this area. Who would do something like this? I am sickened, and take off running.

I run until my legs can carry me no more. Gasping for breath, I slow. My surroundings are unfamiliar. This area is scattered with large rocks, the trees are very scarce. Finally my heartbeat slows. I wipe the tears away with the sleeve of my cloak. I hear a very faint cry. It almost sounds like that of a baby. Searching out the cries, I finally find the source, it is coming from a crevice in one of the large rocks. I see two fearfull eyes looking out at me. A wolf cub!

I talk to the pup, trying to sooth it's fears. It stops crying. Then moves just a little forward toward me. I reach and touch the fluffy fur. It comes even closer. Then he comes the whole way out to me. He climbs in my lap, and falls fast asleep. He is beautiful, white and grey mixed through his fur. He must of been orphaned by those hateful men. I scoop him up and gently put him in my bag. We make the long journey home.

Leah remembers how Arthur was so eager to learn and how curious he was and still is. They fit together so perfectly. He knows every one of her secrets and her deepest thoughts. And she will never forget the cruelity of those unseen men.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

Martha found the muscular bulk of Garret pressing back into her reassuring.
She eyed the native over his shoulder.

"I think he's better. Get some water."

Unseen Martha nodded, but she knew that he would know that she had drawn away to pour out a beaker of the clear liquid.
Returning quickly, Martha moved forward to offer the drink to the native.
Garret's hand on her arm stopped her gently.
Without a word he took the beaker she was about to offer and approached the native himself, holding it out.

Martha watched, touched that he was so protective of her and wondering just how much of a threat this native could be.

 

[EarthWind]

Eva held her hands in James, looking not only into his eyes, but his very self. She saw so much confusion there, but a willingness to learn and understand as well.

She was about to continue telling him about herself and her line of woman healers when a tug at the back of her mind began to invade her thoughts.

"James" she said. "We are not alone." She quickly reassure him that they were in no danger, but that she must close the circle and continue on their way.

"You father might be worried about you, I know my mother worries about me. No doubt Leah is looking for me again, although she has no need."

Eva sighed. She had wanted to show James so much. Nodding his head, he stood up and began to walk out of the circle.
"NO! Wait" Eva cried, getting up herself. "We must thank the Guardians before breaking circle".

Just as she had called them, the thanks the Guardians from the East, South, West and North. Bending down to the ground, she also thanked the spirit of the earth and the animals for being near by. Next, she drew out her athame and drew a smaller circle inside the large one. Chanting, she said "To the Goddess of Moon and the God of Sun, keep this place from harm."

Finally finished, she stepped through the invisible lines of the circle, breaking the seal. Sudenly, James felt a shiver and put his jacket back on. "Thats it" he asked. Eva nodded, the smile still in her face, but her eyes no longer contained the mystery.

Together, they gathered their belongings and put out the fire. By now, the moon was low on the horizon and Eva sugested they go their seperate ways as to reach home more quickly.