Under the Willow Tree
by Kathy Priebe
Nathan inhaled deeply, as he felt the power surge through him from the ley lines deep within the earth. That is why he moved here, why he chose this spot for his ceremonial place. He set up his alter and placed his candles in the North, East, West and South. Around the circle he went, chanting to bind his circle with words he's used since a child. Dropping his cloth robe, he stood gloriously naked as the warm night wind caressed his body. The white moon light bounced off his golden torso as he knelt and called out to the Ancients.
He didn't know what alerted him first that he wasn't alone, the mist that thickened around the circle or the electric tingle running over his skin. She was a beauty. She had long black hair that flowed with the breeze and a white robe belted at her waist with a simple woven silver cord.
"May I enter Nathan Harris?"
"Do I know you?" He was wary but intrigued.
She tipped her head slightly and smiled gently as if she read his mind. "You have called to me, time and time again. I am a child of the wind, a whisper in the mists, my name is Mara. I've come from beyond and I mean you no harm."
He nodded an affirmative, as he felt in his gut that what she said was the truth.
She pulled a dagger from the folds of her robes and sliced a pentagram doorway, stepping through, she closed it behind her.
He sucked in his breath as she dropped her robe to the ground next to his. He watched as she raised her arms high to the moon and turned around in joy.
"Come, celebrate with me Nathan." She reached out to him. "Celebrate new beginnings."
Putting his hand in hers, they came together.
Silvery moonlight danced along their skin as they celebrated Spring, celebrated new growth and new beginnings. Panting, like long lost lovers, they came together as the candles burned low in their holders. Fairies, from up above, rained dust down upon them: adding a glimmering glow to the magic already in the circle and blessing them in their own special way.
And as the dawn of a new day crested at the horizon, Mara rose from their nest of crushed, fragrant leaves and donned her robe. Together, they grounded their magic and released the circle.
She took his hand in hers and whispered, "I must go."
"Will I see you again?" His heart was breaking.
Mara smiled as she released his hand and started backing into the mist. "Someday Nathan Harris," The mists almost consuming her, "Right here, under the willow tree." Then she was gone.
Kathy Priebe lives in NE Ohio with her husband and 3 dogs. When not writing, she enjoys reading, crafts and surfing the net. She writes romance: paranormal, action/adventure, older loves and second chances. Email her.
