~
The sun was passed its zenith when Lilly opened her eyes. The large window next to the bed looked out over the dark green water of the bayou. An egret perched on a low hanging branch, its long neck forming a graceful curve. Beards of gray green moss swayed gently in the breeze as the sun warmed a family of turtles strung like jade beads on a fallen log.
Roland opened his eyes and sat up taking in the peaceful view. “Hmmm, the Deep Bayou is beautiful.” His hand moved up her back and slowly moved around her, gently embracing her breast. Lilly leaned back and lifted her head for a morning kiss. The Egret took flight as Lilly turned to face Roland and pulled him down with her onto the pillows.
Their love making was deep and passionate. They climaxed together reaching new heights of physical and spiritual ecstasy. Snuggling together afterwards, Roland whispered in Lilly’s ear, “Do you think we’ve been taken by Faery magic or the simple grace of the Deep Bayou?”
Lilly smiled, “Both.”
Roland ran a caressing finger along the side of her face, “I hope we take it home with us. That was amazing!
A knock on the door broke the spell as they sat up quickly. “Breakfast meeting in a few minutes,” said a deep voice.
Lilly and Roland found the rest of their group sitting at a round table near the kitchen. Grandmother Sylvia, along with two men from the Faery clan, sat with them. The men were similar in size, one had the shining green eyes resembling Lilly’s father. His hair hung down his back in a thick silver braid. The other, younger man, had dark blue eyes and blond hair pulled into a knot on the top of his head. Both men wore silver seven pointed stars on a cord around their necks and one of Avery’s carved animal amulets on a cord that fell over their hearts. The older man, who Lilly soon learned was called, Lance, invited them to grab a cup of coffee and join them.
They sat together sipping hot coffee. Everyone’s eyes turned to Pearl, who flushed a deeper pink than usual, swallowed and explained to her kinsmen exactly why they had come to the Faery village. Kumira added what she knew of the pyramid and had several questions answered. Lilly explained the attributes of the Innana crystal, slipped it over her head and laid it in the center of the table.
Their hosts looked at one another for a moment. Grandmother Sylvia spoke first, “We are aware of the pyramid and know a bit of its history. Lance and Ani, she said nodding at the two men sitting at the table with them, will be your guides. Lance has an unfailing sense of direction and Ani feels the pull of magic stronger than anyone in our family. With their help, you will be able to find the pyramid and, hopefully a way into it.
The four friends grinned at one another and Roland spoke up, “When do we leave?”
Lance, accustomed to being in control, put his napkin on the table and stood, “Ani and I will pack our gear and we will return to New Orleans with you. From there, we can decide the most auspicious time to leave.”
Sylvia spoke and the voices at the table hushed. “I have not seen my daughter and my granddaughter in many years. I ask you stay one more day, at least, so we may have a proper visit.”
Pearl nodded and looked at Lilly, “We would love to stay one more day and return to spend many more when our work is done.”
Sylvia smiled, “Ah, it is settled.”
Rosy tones tinted the sky and a slight breeze caressed Lilly’s cheek. She drank in the sight as she sat on her grandmother’s porch overlooking the dark green waters of the bayou.
A stand of cattail plants swayed nearby lending their rhythmic percussion to the natural music of the bayou. Sylvia sat in her rocking chair smoking her long-stemmed pipe. Concentric circles of aromatic smoke drifted out over the still green water.
As Lilly watched the smoke rings she noticed how dreamy and relaxed she was feeling. “Grannie,” she asked, “What do the fairies do out here in the middle of the Dark bayou?”
Her grandmother chuckled, “It is not about what we do. It is about our being.” Lilly looked puzzled so Grandmother Sylvia continued, “We witness the natural world and are part of nature’s balance. Our energy naturally sustains the water plants and the interaction between the living systems of the bayou. The Faery ken have been here for centuries assuring the egret finds a home, the ibis gets a fish, the turtles have a fine place to sun themselves and the banks provide a gathering place for the gators. We speak with the plants and creatures of the waters. Knowing their ways, we are able to protect them.
“But we ate catfish!” Lilly exclaimed.
Sylvia nodded, “Yes, some creatures have taken form in this lazy bayou with the express purpose of providing food. The fish live out their life span before they are enticed into fish nets and experience a gentle passing. We eat them with gratitude and strengthen our bond with their species.”
“What do we do?” she continued repeating Lilly’s question, “I would have to say we love. Our intention for beauty and balance expressed as love, permeates the area and sustains it. Without the magick of love, the world withers.”
Lilly nodded as her heart opened, embracing the beauty and grace of the wild, renewing her connection to her Fae heritage and the swampy world of her childhood.
Chapter 50
Touchpoint South
A variety of canvas bags, tents and bundles were tied to the top of Lucky’s van. Everyone was eager to set off on the journey. Lilly, Roland and Aunt Pearl sat in the back seat. Lance sat up front with Lucky and Ani folded himself into the space
