CHAPTER 2
Narië, rè 15, Enquier 2, Yèn 4023
Lairë
There was a circle last night, upon the west cliffs overlooking the Great River. There were twelve of us in all: Mother, Síle, a few other Elves from the Mallorn Village, Lóni and I. It was a fine night, with a clear half-moon and not a cloud in sight. The air was fresh and I felt so alive. We stood around the heap of blessed flowers that we would offer to the Goddess and did some healing for the Earthmen who are leaving tonight. They are much better looking now than when they first came here, although you would not think it by the looks upon their faces. Every time we perform a healing rite or call upon the Goddess a look of terror appears on their faces. They think it is dark magick, performing Wicca. By the way, they call it "magic" and not "magick" as is its proper name.
I asked Mother about this as we headed our way home. "Why is it that our magick instils so much fear into the hearts of Earthmen?" I said as we travelled, unshod, across the fresh green grass. "It heals them and does them no harm. Isn't that how it all started? Without wands?"
"Yes," Mother replied, "it is, but they have very different ideas of how magic should be from where they come. They do not praise the God or Goddess in their world, which is why they need to harness the power of magick through wands and incantations. The last wizard to practise Wicca in their world was a very long time ago, and he was sentenced and hanged straight away. He was accused of black magick."
I was aghast. I could not imagine performing magick without first calling upon the God or Goddess. It seemed so soulless, and empty. That night, whilst performing the healing, I had felt the cumhachd, the power, in my fingers, in my arms, and I was happy and danced with Lóni for hours. I was sure I would never be able to experience that through use of a wand.
"Then why do they keep sending their people here?" I asked petulantly. "It is not fair, that we keep wasting our time on them, when they have such a low opinion of our magick."
"They do it because as long as they are not the ones performing any rites, they would not be doing anything wrong in the eyes of their world. And it is also a way of showing that there is harmony between both worlds. And it is not a waste of time, Lena. You must remember the threefold law- whatever magick you do, it will return unto you threefold. Which reminds me; tomorrow I want you up early- we have a new visitor and we've run out of herbs. I need you to gather."
I grumbled a bit. "Another one?"
"Yes, but this case is slightly different. It is a young boy, about your age. We have never had someone so young before. Perhaps he will become a playmate for you, Lena."
I snorted. As if I would ever associate with any of the Earthmen! And anyway, maidens of my age did not have "playmates" we had "suitors" now. I told Mother this and she laughed. I was sore for a bit until another thought occurred.
"This boy- for one so young- he has suffered much then, to need our treatment?"
"He has," Mother replied, sobering up, "but he will tell you his story himself, if he wants to and if you want to know so badly. Do not pester him, Lena. Now, look, we are home." And indeed we had arrived at our flet. "Now get some rest straight away, it has been a long night. Perform your last circle, say your prayers, and do not forget to write your Book of Shadows before you go to bed."
Which is what I am writing right now. What a long entry it's been! But a lot has happened today. And I can still feel tonight's energy of the Goddess flowing through my veins. But that is all for now. I must be up early to gather the herbs and get ready for the boy's arrival. Who knows, he might be of some company. I need some company, that's for sure- except for Lóni and her brothers I am surrounded by elders.
Lena