by Ciara Lake
“No worries. But just to remind you, the old religion is for everyone who embraces it. That’s one of the wondrous things about being a pagan, we’re accepting of others, and you’re not.” Terra followed Lucy through the house.
Lucy glanced back at Terra. “You’re foolish, so don’t give me a lecture on acceptance. You’re not truly a witch like me, you’re merely a horticulturist.” She gave Terra a look of pity. “Nevertheless, the guests need not know your shortcomings today. Come on, we’re going to have the gathering on my back deck overlooking the swimming pool. Things are all set up. It’s supposed to be a gorgeous day.” Lucy continued to lead the way.
Terra noticed the house had a strong scent of burning sage. It was mixed with the aromas of the food being prepared. When they entered the kitchen area, Terra saw several women working. “The food smells delicious.” Terra waved to the four women dressed in maid uniforms working in the kitchen. They smiled back at her.
“Pay no attention to them, they’re hired help.”
“It’s nice that you have help. Thanks for helping,” Terra said to the women. “I know Lucy couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Don’t thank them. It’s my money paying for everything.” The doorbell rang. “Gladys, let my guests in and show them out to the deck. Be quick about it.”
“Yes, Mrs. Greenwich. Right away.” The maid closest to them scurried to the front door.
“Excellent, we’re going to have a good crowd. I invited another wiccan group to join us too. You’d better impress them with your presentation. You do have good credentials.”
Terra followed her out onto the enormous deck. There were six large, round tables with chairs set up for the guests. A buffet was being prepared. “You’ve really gone all out for this event.”
“I’m planning on being the next high priestess of our coven’s district. I deserve the position. It’s all about how one impresses others, power, and political influence. I have it all, and I have what it takes.” She stopped next to a table with a podium on it. “Here you go. You’re right up front. At one o’clock we’ll get started. I don’t want any delays. It looks like most everyone’s getting seated. I’ve got to go change my clothes. I’ll be quick.” Lucy rushed off.
“I’ve brought you an iced tea.” One of the women dressed in a maid’s uniform handed Terra an ice-cold glass.
“Thank you. What’s your name?”
“I’m Tallulah.”
“I’m Terra.”
“Yes, I know. I sent you an email about my garden last year. You were very helpful. My garden turned out great. Thanks so much for your excellent advice.” She smiled sweetly as Terra drank her iced tea. Tallulah refilled her glass.
“Tallulah, you’re needed in the kitchen. Quit standing there like a moron and get a move on. You’re not one of my guests.” Lucy had been incredibly fast changing her clothes. She was now wearing an all red pant suit that matched her nails.
“I’m interested in hearing what you have to say.” Tallulah hesitated and picked up some empty glasses sitting on the nearby table.
“Thank you so much.” Terra drank half of her tea and sat the glass down.
“Scat, girl. Finish getting the food ready for my guests. I don’t pay you to socialize.” Lucy glared at her.
“Yes, Mrs. Greenwich.” Tallulah rushed away, carrying the dirty glasses with her.
“I wish people like her would just follow directions and stop wasting my time.”
“What do you mean people like her?”
“You know, poor and undesirable people who serve us.” Lucy rolled her eyes. “You seem out of touch, and you’re probably one of those people who doesn’t believe in the class system.”
“There is no class system in the United States, actually in most of the western world.”
“Whatever! I don’t have time for this.” Lucy waved her hand. “We’re about to get started. I’ll introduce you soon.” She rushed away, issuing orders regarding the buffet.
Terra sat down and scanned the audience to assess how to begin today’s presentation. The audience was an assorted group. There were young, old, women, a few men, mortals, and she could feel about five immortals. One of her gifts allowed her to tell who was immortal or supernatural. They gave off a different type of energy. She didn’t know necessarily what kind of immortal they were, but she could sense they weren’t human. Today there were a few immortals present who didn’t typically attend these events.
One of those immortals was a man. He was exceptionally tall and muscular. His facial features and jawline were chiseled perfection. His hair and eyes were as dark as midnight, giving him an air of mystery that she found exciting. Evidently, a lot of other women found the same attributes equally alluring, and they fluttered around him like bees to honey.
Terra’s hands began to sweat, and her chest tightened as she thought about addressing the crowd. She drank some more of her tea to sooth her now parched throat.
She tried not to look in the man’s direction in hopes she could calm down, but she felt his eyes on her. Despite his good looks, she sensed he was a man you wouldn’t want to cross. There was something foreboding about him. Unable to resist, she looked in his direction. Their eyes briefly met, and her lungs constricted.
For several seconds, they studied each other. Not only were his eyes uniquely dark, they held a certain wisdom that came with age and experience. With reservation, she smiled at him. He returned the smile, and when he did, he transformed into a man who was much more approachable.
He was no ordinary immortal. He radiated a phenomenal supernatural power. Strong vibrations flowed from him at a strength that rivaled a major god. God Dionysus was not even as commanding as he was.
He stood by the house’s French doors, where he had a good vantage point. While he talked and interacted with the women, he watched the group like a predator. Unexplainably, a wave of possessiveness flowed over Terra. She resented the women who flirted with him. They act like silly chickens clucking around the rooster.
Lucy made her way through the crowd and past the tables back up to the front of the group. She hesitated a moment to adjust her blouse then approached the podium. “Blessed be.” She smiled, but there was an iciness about her.
“Blessed be,” the audience replied.
“Please, everyone, take a seat. There’s plenty of room for everyone to take a seat at a table.” She gestured to the empty chairs close to the front. She paused for everyone to sit down. “My fellow coven members and our honored guests, I’m happy to have you here in my home on this beautiful day. Praise be to Hecate and to Zeus, the two favored deities my husband and I worship in our household.” She motioned to the statues of the gods behind her. At the same time, a hawk passed over Lucy. The large bird screeched loudly as if purposely interrupting her.
“Praise be to Hecate and to Zeus,” the audience echoed.
A swift wind blew up and knocked the solid stone statue of Hecate off the side of the deck. It shattered to pieces on the cement below.
Lucy put her hand over her heart and patted her chest. “My apologies to my great goddess. It seems the wind has a mind of its own today.” She peered up at the sky.
Terra glanced at the handsome man. He winked at her. A warmth spread up her neck and to her cheeks. Damn, I’m blushing. What’s my problem?
“Anyway, after we hear from Professor Broderick, we’ll have a delightful lunch, and we’ll conclude with another special guest speaker.” She signaled to Terra to come to where she was standing.
Terra got up from her chair and headed to the podium. She stood a few feet from Lucy, waiting for her to surrender the spot in front of the group.
“Professor Broderick teaches botany and microbiology at the local university, Collinston College. She’s also had two gardening books published. She has her own website where she answers questions concerning plants, trees, and gardening. It’s called Ask Terra.” She gestured to Terra. “Please give a warm welcome
to Professor Terra Broderick.”
Lucy clapped and stepped back. The audience applauded as Terra stepped to the podium.
The crowd quieted. “Blessed be.” Terra smiled. “Isn’t it a beautiful spring day? I give honor, in my service to God Dionysus.” She touched her medallion she wore around her neck. “He’s the god of nature and pleasure, and I’m a firm believer in both.” She grinned.
The audience laughed and applauded once more.
Terra pushed her hair back behind her shoulders. It was a nervous habit she had developed when she was a teenager. “Today, I’m going to talk about loving nature and caring for the part of nature entrusted to us as the guardians of the earth and her plants.”
A soothing breeze blew over her. It immediately relaxed and cooled her. Her nervousness dissipated as she continued to talk about the subject she loved. After finding her comfortable pace, she braved a moment to glance over at the handsome stranger. He smiled at her, and a warmth spread all over her like a fever.
The information started to pour from Terra with ease, and the time passed quickly. Her enthusiasm for the subject was obviously contagious. Her presentation lasted for approximately a half an hour. There were a few guests who were mildly inattentive, but the majority actively listened to her.
* * * *
There were a few of the human pretend wiccans who weren’t interested in the plants and protecting Mother Earth, they were only eager to learn about magical elements of wicca. The exciting stuff, Aetius heard a couple of women at the neighboring table say. Nevertheless, Aetius was intrigued with the information Terra was sharing and her sentiments regarding caring for the plants, trees, and the soil. There was no doubt she was passionate regarding the subject.
The discussion was winding down, and she asked the group, “Are there any questions?”
Aetius raised his hand as well as several others.
“Yes.” Terra pointed at him.
“Do you take energy from the earth as a wiccan?”
“Yes, I can take from the earth.” She nodded. “But not indiscriminately, it’s always a give and take. The earth is our mother, the embodiment of the Goddess Gaia. As earth and Goddess Gaia’s children, we must care for her as she cares for us. Without her, we would be lost. We can’t abuse the earth’s energy or resources. Like I said earlier, we’re the stewards to the earth, and our caretaking job is important. Are there any other questions or comments?”
Lucy brushed past Terra to get to the podium, cutting off the other questions. “Thank you, Terra. That was very useful information.” Lucy clapped, and the audience did too, bringing Terra’s presentation to a conclusion.
Aetius stood and applauded. The rest of the audience followed suit.
“Our lunch is ready.” Lucy pointed at the buffet table. “Please serve yourselves and enjoy.”
The group hurriedly headed for the buffet. A long line of formed. They chatted and giggled while they waited. The food smelled delicious. A server brought Aetius a glass of iced tea. He drank some of his tea and then held his glass up toward Terra. She warmly smiled back at him and took a sip of her iced tea.
He continued to watch and assess her every move. She kindly interacted with the mortals and immortals alike, answering their questions and concerns about their gardens and plants. Anyone could tell her passion was sincere.
Aetius remained at his table. He watched everything around him. So far, his opinion of Terra was she was young, sweet, and lovely. At least from what he could tell. She had a darker, exotic beauty, which he’d preferred in women. In fact, she in no way resembled Crexan or Aife.
Her appearance puzzled him, and he continued to analyze her. She had a warmer, richer complexion than he had expected. Terra’s long hair was a pretty shade of chocolate brown. Her large, almond-shaped eyes matched the coloring of her hair.
She exuded personality and warmth, unlike any witch he had ever encountered. Oddly, her whole energy was very non-wiccan. When she spoke of the plants, trees, and the earth she nearly glowed with supernatural radiance. Unlike his typical cold and disinterested self, this woman intrigued him.
Unexpectedly, a chill passed over him. He looked up to see a willowy, blonde woman with ice blue eyes standing next to his table.
“Aetius, you’re looking good.” She posed seductively in her low-cut dress. “I’m surprised to see you here at this modest coven meeting in nowhere land, Ohio.” She sat down in a chair near him.
“Hecate,” he hissed. “I’m amazed to see you here as well. Aren’t you too busy to be interested in these simple humans? And I’m further amazed you have the nerve to speak to me.” Aetius clenched his jaw tight.
“I couldn’t care less what amazes you, Enforcer. I came to see the witch, Terra.” She nodded in her direction. “She’s all the talk in the wiccan world. It seems she has a strong gift with the plants and trees. She doesn’t worship me, and I’ve come to see why not.”
“Leave her be. She’s smart, that’s why she doesn’t waste her time on you.”
“It might surprise you, Aetius, but you’re not the king of the world. I have the right to be curious about her if I want. God Dionysus has been chatting about the little wench as if she’s more special and powerful than I am. I had to come see for myself. Personally, I think she doesn’t look like much.” Hecate frowned. “Unfortunately, if I touch a hair on her head, I think Dionysus would make war with me.” She tapped her fingers on the table. “Male gods are controlled by their dicks.”
“She’s definitely more special than you. And she makes you look like the evil toad you are.” He took another drink of his tea to keep from saying more.
“To think, she’s Aife and Crexan’s child. A child of a dark warlock and his witch.” Hecate chuckled. “What a disappointment she turned out to be, Ms. Goody Two Shoes.”
“Hecate, shut up. No one cares what you think. By the way, when did you get free of the Elf King? I heard Lykoan sent you for an extended stay on the elves’ realm. I’m sorry your vacation has ended. Your absence was appreciated.”
“You’re no comedian, so don’t try to be.” She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs and arms in front of her. “I took care of the elves for now.”
“I wasn’t trying to be funny.” He gritted his teeth. “I’m truly disappointed you’re free of the elves’ realm.”
“I don’t care what you think. Amuliana and I have been free of the Elf King for a while. It wasn’t too hard to get out of his realm. The elves are all imbecilic.” She tapped her long, manicured nails on the glass table.
“What a damn shame. I’d hoped you’d be there forever, or at least a few centuries, and out of everyone’s hair. I’d hoped he’d torture you a bit too. You both deserve torment.” The wind picked up. “But here you are, like when mortals catch herpes, it never goes away. And it always arrives at the worse times.” The wind picked up even more.
“Aetius, don’t ruin this social event for these mortals with your nasty temper. Try to be civil and control yourself.” She looked up at the graying sky. “This was to be a beautiful day, and you’re spoiling it.”
“Since when do you care about these mortals or anyone?”
“Seriously, what brings you here to the middle of nowhere with a bunch of pretend witches? Covens aren’t usually an Elemental’s scene. Is there someone here you’re getting ready to punish?” She narrowed her eyes as she glanced around the deck. “Last I heard you didn’t care for anything wiccan. I guess that’s thanks to me.” She leaned to the right then to the left to look around. “I suspect you’re here to see the little witch, Terra. Surely no one else in this crowd is worth your attention.”
Aetius didn’t respond. Something alerted his attention. He looked around, trying to figure out what raised his hackles on the back of his neck.
“What’s wrong with you?” Hecate huffed. “You look concerned about something.”
“You mean besides being concerned you’re here?”
“Pl
ease.” She waved her hand. “I’m not causing any problem at all. I never do. Plus, the matron Lucy worships me and so openly. Why wouldn’t I be here?”
He held his hand up to stop her from talking. “Do you feel that?”
“What are you talking about?” Hecate sighed. “You’re ridiculous. Are you afraid of something? You sure look like it. Do you feel guilty for robbing the cradle?”
“Everyone here is an adult. What the hell are you talking about? Ridiculous witch.”
“They may be all adults, but you’re simply ancient. I wouldn’t talk about witches like that at a coven meeting. Even if most of them are fake witches.” She rolled her eyes.
“If I’m ancient, what does that make you? You must be prehistoric.” He pushed his nearly empty glass around on the table.
“I’m not here to get laid, like you are. Unless you’d like a tumble with me?” She winked at him. “I could let hard feelings be put aside for a good screw with you.”
Hecate waved to one of the servers carrying a pitcher of tea, and young woman came over to the table.
“Give me a drink,” Hecate ordered.
“Certainly.” The server nodded as she grabbed a clean glass off a tray of another server passing by. She filled the glass and set it down in front of Hecate, then she refilled Aetius’s tea and scurried off to the next table.
Aetius picked up his tea and took a drink. “Hecate, don’t make me sick. Thinking about what you suggest truly makes me feel nausea. And don’t pretend you’re not always looking for prey to fuck, literally and figuratively. You even tried to make my brother-in-law and his lykans sex slaves. You’re truly disgusting.”
“Shut up!” Hecate hit the table. A few of the other guests glanced in their direction. Hecate smiled at them and waved coquettishly. “I’ve had enough of your intolerable disrespect. And I didn’t come here to engage in a stupid battle of words with you.”
“Then why are you here exactly?” He watched her closely. “Are you responsible for the strange sensation that’s fallen over this place? The wind’s oddly silent too.” He cocked his head to the side to listen. “Do you feel that?”