My Christmas story, hopefully to be followed by others, in time to fill the wheel.... my attempt at a holiday edition, enjoy :-)
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The snow glistened under the light of the nearly full moon as feet softly made their way through the darkened forest. The sharp taste of new fallen snow clung to the air, seeped through the skin and coated the lungs of the travelers. Their robes of dark jewel tones, emerald, ruby, azure and plum swirled in the breeze and scraped the white carpet clean of their foot steps behind them.
After some time a light drum could be heard, its echo in the trees getting louder as the walkers approached the circle. They came from all directions, the cloaked figures quietly forming the tight ring inside the standing stones in the small clearing. As each took their place they laid down their offering to the wreath, their symbol of the wheel, the circle of the year. Bows of reverently picked greens, ripe red apples and golden pears, and cones and seeds from the trees. One lone figure sat on the ground outside the stones lightly hitting the drum.
When all had gathered and each shoulder touched its neighbor the drum stopped, hands clasped and the white clouds of their breath were exhaled as one. By now each heart beat was in tune with the next and each person lowered their head to the snow, took one step back and all raised their arms.
"Goddess in her Mothers state, bring forth your son, our God and Sun!" a voice from the circle called out. The Yule ceremony for the sun was as quick as would allow. Though they knew the soldiers had been fed information on the service and they did not know when they would attack, still they came to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
"Blessed be the new born God!" they called out as one. The leader brought the service to an end, the crown's troops slowly and quietly made their way to the edge of the trees, far enough from eye sight but close enough to attack as one. They couldn't tell who in the circle was male or female due to the cloaks all they could see was height and build. Their orders to kill the men and capture the women were to be followed upon pain of torture.
Killan crouched behind the trunk of an ash tree and watched as the circle started to break up, the bodies moving away just as casually as they had arrived. One body fell, the robe's hood fell back reveal a stunning young woman with long blonde hair. His cock twitched in his ragged pants and he tightened his fist on the hilt of his knife. Capture the women he was told, bring them back to the castle he was told... he was told nothing of not touching them. His eyes lit cruelly as she climbed back to her feet and replaced her hood.
Aisling walked quickly through the trees praying to both Goddess and God for a safe return home. Her mother told her not to come, that the family could celebrate on their own, but she had wanted to feel the comfort and unity of their people. Lost though they may be their conquerors she would not turn her back on who they were.
Killan let the girl pass him and then followed, waiting for the right moment to grab and drag her to the side...
As the path turned to the right around a tall hill Aisling nodded to the prickly holly tree and then came to a halt. Ten feet before her stood an Elk. Tall and sturdy the majestic beast stood in her path watching her. His eyes glittered in the light of the moon as he seemed to bow his head. She gasped and quickly returned the bow. "Blessed be the Horned Lord this cold night"
