by Ciara Lake
Musicians played the flute, violin, mandolin, and the harp. They sounded lovely, and their melodies set the mood perfectly for welcoming summer and the joining of a loving couple. The guests ate sweets, drank mead, danced, and played games all evening. Hopefully, they wouldn’t wear out too soon, because after the Joining Circle there would be another party with more music, food, mead, and dancing. This was a night of abundant festivity, and they would party until sunrise and beyond.
After the sun set, the bonfires and torches were set aflame. Aine and Alma took care of all the fires, as they were fire Elementals. It eased Terra’s mind to know the fire was completely under control.
Terra danced around the Maypole with a group of Fey, wiccan, dragon, and Mer women as the men watched. Then she danced around the bonfire with another group of Fey, Goddess Airmid, and Goddess Diana. When they were done, Faelan—Aetius’s sister who had been reborn and reunited with her mate—performed a sacred dance to Artemis and Athena with her husband Lykoan around the largest bonfire. Terra watched them move with precision and passion for the dance and each other. Faelan was gorgeous as she celebrated the coming of the summer with dance. After they finished their dance, Goddess Artemis offered Faelan a bouquet of wildflowers.
“This entire evening is thrilling.” Terra smiled at Aetius. “I’m so happy.”
“I’m so pleased to see you happy.” Aetius kissed her cheek.
Aileen touched her arm. “You best go to the house and get ready for the ceremony. You’ll need to change into your handfasting gown. I’ll come with you and help.” She hugged Terra. “You’re a beautiful bride.”
“I can’t believe it’s time already. I’m nervous.” She took hold of Aileen’s hand.
“Don’t be. Think only of your mate and the time you’ll have together.” Aileen smiled. “My son is a handsome man and very passionate. You are fated to be his, and he has waited a long time to find you.”
“I know. I love him very much.”
“There’s no better time than Beltane to have a joining.”
“I think so too. This time of year is very symbolic.”
“I see you’ve made friends with Faelan. I’m glad. I’ve missed my daughter all these years. It’s good to have her back, thank the gods.” Aileen’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “This is a good day.”
“Yes, it is. Praise be.” Terra turned to look at Aileen. “I like Faelan. I like all or your daughters and sons.”
“They all adore you too. I wanted to tell you that Goddess Gaia is here. God Zeus, Goddess Aphrodite, Goddess Airmid, Goddess Artemis, Goddess Diana, God Cernunnos, and there may be more deities here. This is truly an incredible night. King Cearul and your great-great-grandmother, Queen Betha, are here too. They rarely attend events outside of a Fey realm. You’re truly blessed.”
“Aetius is well-liked.”
“My darling, it’s not only Aetius they’ve come for.” She grabbed Terra’s hand and started to walk toward the house. “They’ve mostly come to see you.” She lightly squeezed Terra’s hand.
Genevieve saw them approaching the house, and she intercepted them. “I will be giving directions for the processional and the Joining Circle in about an hour. I’m excited to see you make your entrance. Your great-great-grandmother has left a crown for you to wear in your bedroom with your gown. It’s lovely and perfect for a princess. Thank you, Aileen, for helping her get ready.” Genevieve kissed Terra. “Now go. I’ll find Aetius and tell him to get ready too.”
Terra and Aileen rushed off to the house.
* * * *
“Greetings all, and good Beltane Eve to you.” Genevieve stood in front of the microphone. The musicians stopped playing to allow her to be heard.
“Good Beltane Eve,” the group responded.
“Thank you.” Genevieve smiled. “We are blessed this night.” She nodded toward where Goddesses Gaia, Artemis, Airmid, Diana, Aphrodite, and God Dionysus stood. “I’m pleased to be your hostess of this grand celebration. I’m Princess Aseelietania, also known as Genevieve, Terra’s grandmother.” She bowed her head. “Aetius and Terra are very grateful for your attendance at their Joining. I too thank you for coming to celebrate with us and participate in Prince Aetius’s and Princess Terra’s Joining. We have such a big group I want to give instructions to make it go smoothly. At this table...” She pointed to where Aislinn was sitting. “We have candles for everyone. We have assigned everyone a color candle. We have so many guests we have to make three circles. The inner circle will have white candles and will start the processional through the woods. The silver candles will be the second circle and go next in the processional. The red candles will be the third circle and complete the processional. Aetius’s sisters will direct the processional through the woods. When we get to the meadow we’ll create three large circles around the bonfire. If you have any questions, ask one of Aetius’s sisters. They’re dressed in the red and silver gowns with white, flowered wreaths on their heads.” She pointed to Aine as an example.
Alma helped Aislinn hand out the correct candles to all the guest, and at ten-thirty the processional started. Aetius’s sisters—Aine, Aislinn, Faelan, Cait, and Alma—carried torches and lit the path to the meadow. Each guest carried a lit candle. When the processional of guests exited the woods, they circled the bonfire in the middle of the meadow. As directed, three circles formed around the fire. Everyone’s candles were still lit, creating a mystical glow. The musicians set up outside the circle and played soft, airy music.
Once the circles were formed they all waited for Aetius to arrive. As hostess, Genevieve waited by the bonfire. She motioned for the circle to part to make room for the wedding couple to enter.
Genevieve saw Aetius exit the woods. He was stunningly handsome, dressed all in black. His black, silk shirt was trimmed in silver. His black, leather pants hugged his muscular legs. On his head he wore an ivy crown. His sister Aislinn carried the torch to light the way. Aetius was escorted by his father, Dillon, his mother, Aileen, and Lykoan, his chosen to stand with him.
They approached and entered the circle. Aetius came to stand in front of the fire. He gestured toward the flames, and it lowered to allow all to see. Those who had walked with him stood to the side to make room for his bride. The circle was still parted to allow Aetius to see his bride approach.
Genevieve gasped as Terra arrived at the entrance of the woods. Alma held the torch lighting the way. The flame’s light illuminated Terra perfectly, bathing her in a magical light. Genevieve saw Aetius quickly inhale when he first saw her. She was gorgeous, and happiness radiated from her.
Terra was accompanied by Goddess Gaia, her parent, God Cernunnos, her great-grandfather, and Goddess Airmid, her chosen to stand with her. Terra was stunningly dressed in the emerald gown with silver trim. Genevieve had a surge of pride as she watched her granddaughter. She moved like the princess she was.
The velvet handfasting gown hugged Terra’s shapely body like a glove and gently flared at her hips. It flowed to the ground with a train of material behind her. The gown’s silver belt accented her tiny waist. She was lovely beyond measure.
Terra smiled beautifully at Aetius as she walked toward him. All could see her heart was filled with love for the handsome Fey, and love reflected in his eyes as well.
Aetius appeared mesmerized as his bride moved toward him. His dark eyes gleamed in the firelight. The candles made the atmosphere even more like a fairy tale. Terra wore a crown of ivy on her head with grace and elegance. When she was a few steps from Aetius, he held out his hand to take hers. She eagerly gave him her hand. He kissed it and smiled at her. Terra bowed her head in deference to her beloved. Those who escorted Terra stood to her side.
Genevieve motioned for the circles to close. The guests complied. The earth rumbled and groaned. Terra’s eyes widened with concern.
“Look, the trees.” Aetius pointed to the forest.
The tall trees at the edge of the forest had uprooted themselves. T
he majestic trees rose up on their roots and ambled toward them. Their roots were as legs, allowing them to walk and surround the outer circle of guests. Everything and everyone quieted to witness the spectacular event. A significant amount of the woods had moved to accommodate the Joining. There were at least fifty trees now surrounding them.
Genevieve felt chills go down her spine with the magnificence of what she had watched. Nature was Terra’s servant and adored her beyond measure.
Goddess Airmid began to speak. “We the trees use Goddess Airmid to speak to all gathered here.” In the firelight, Genevieve could see Airmid’s creamy complexion had turned a light green, and her voice was changed. “What you witness is a rare event. We are not trees of the Enchanted Forest, we are merely trees of the mortal realm. However, we summon our magics to allow us to join the circle in honor of Princess Terra, our beloved one. Blessings be to our beloved one and her mate.”
Airmid wavered and nearly lost her balance as the spirit of the trees left her. God Cernunnos steadied her. Airmid’s complexion returned to normal.
Lightning flashed in the sky, and a boom and thunder followed. Its power shook the ground. “Don’t be frightened,” Aetius told Terra as he held her hand. In front of them, lightning struck the ground, and the earth smoldered, then a gray-bearded man wearing a hat and holding a staff materialized from the smoke.
“Greetings all on this Beltane Eve. I am God Odin.” He hit his staff on the ground once more. The earth again rumbled. “I’m here to join these two together for eternity. I see the trees have joined in this great celebration. What a joyous occasion this is.” He smiled at Terra. “I’m honored to be here for the gods’ Enforcer and the daughter of Goddess Gaia. These two are the children of glorious immortal and divine bloodlines. They both are of royal Fey blood. I’m greatly honored to officiate their joining.” He nodded to both. “Princess Terra and demi-goddess, I welcome you to the circle to join with your beloved. Prince Aetius, Enforcer to the gods and Master Elemental, I welcome you to the circle to join with your beloved. The circle represents everlasting commitment. It represents the circle of life and creation. The infinity of your love. Beltane is the perfect time to celebrate such joining. This time of year signifies new beginnings. Rebirth of all nature and union of the sky and earth. Do I hear the approval from all gathered here?”
“Blessed be to all things in this joining,” the group answered in unison.
“Beltane is also the fire festival to honor the sun for her part in nature and its renewal. We gather here, and we honor all the elements. We honor the fire.” He pointed to the flame, and it roared to answer him. “We honor the air.” The wind softly blew his hair and beard. “We honor the earth.” The ground subtly rumbled beneath their feet. “We honor the water.” He held up his hand and sparkling water fell from it to the ground. “We honor the aether.” He looked up and was silent for several seconds. “We ask the elements to bless this sacred joining. We ask nature to bless this joining of two who love each other.” The trees swayed their branches and leaves in response.
Goddess Gaia approached Odin. She handed him a red cord.
God Odin held the cord above his head. “This red cord represents both of you coming together as one. It signifies your life’s blood mixing for all eternity.”
Aetius lifted Terra’s hand and held their hands out toward Odin. The great god wrapped the cord around their joined hands.
“Joined today are Aetius and Terra.” Odin tied the cord into a knot, binding their hands together. “They are joined this day forth, for all eternity, as one heart and soul.”
Odin untied the knot, and the cord fell to the ground. He looked all around at the group. Then he looked directly at Aetius and Terra.
“The unbinding of the cord and falling away represents these two lovers came together willingly and will remain together of their own free will. Now speak your oaths.” Odin stepped back and bowed his head.
Aetius turned to face Terra. “My love, I’ve waited far too long to find you. I’m happy the universe finally brought you to me. I will always honor, cherish, and protect you for all time. I will love you until the end of days or my last breath. I give you my heart to hold.” He handed her the bracelet he’d given her when he’d asked her to be his wife. “I give you this bracelet, and I wear one too. These bracelets are a symbol of our endless love for one another.”
“Thank you, my beloved, I accept your gift of the bracelet.” Terra put it on her wrist. “I have lived but a short time. The gods have blessed me and allowed me to find you while in my youth. I will honor you, love you, and protect you until the end of days or my last breath. I give you my heart to hold. I gladly wear the bracelet you bestow on me. I love you with all that I am and for all of my life.”
“So be it.” God Odin raised his staff and struck the ground. “It is done. You are joined.” Lightning flashed in the sky as if emphasizing the god’s declaration. “All should greet the couple and offer blessings. Then enjoy the celebration. It is a good night to dance.”
The guests applauded and cheered.
Aetius took Terra’s hand and held it up high above their heads. “We are one,” he yelled.
Again, the crowd clapped. The trees waved their branches then uprooted themselves once more to walk back to their original locations.
* * * *
Terra danced with Aetius, her arms wrapped around him as they swayed to the music. She was in heaven while in her husband’s arms, and she thanked the gods for giving her this joyous day. Then he spun her around, and they laughed together. A group of onlookers cheered and clapped.
“My beautiful bride,” Aetius called out as he gestured toward her. She took a bow, and the crowd clapped again. “We’re going to go cut the cake now. Come and have some delicious cake.” He waved to the group and took Terra’s hand and headed to the deck.
The wedding cake was set up on a round, glass table. The table was covered with flowers and ivy. The cake was extraordinary, several tiers tall and covered with a pale green frosting and accented with darker ivy leaves. It looked like a hanging garden. Aetius and Terra cut the first piece of cake.
Genevieve and Aileen continued to cut the cake for the guests. When Terra tasted the cake, her eyes nearly rolled back in her head from the deliciousness. “This is a very scrumptious cake. I really appreciate your parents giving us this. It’s beautiful too.” She licked her fingers. “Thank you, Aileen.”
“Now are you ready for our next adventure?” Aetius watched her closely as she took another bite of the cake.
“Another one? We’re not done with this adventure.” She grinned as she licked her lips.
“It’s an extension of this one. It’s our honeymoon.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“I’m not sure.” She gazed up at him.
“You’re ready.” He grinned. “Close your eyes. This time we’re traveling in time and distance.”
“In time?” Terra shut her eyes as her world tilted and turned.
When she opened her eyes, they were standing on a stone street. The style of the street was old, but she was sure it was recently constructed. A throng of people passed them. Everyone was dressed strangely in an old style, one she didn’t necessarily recognize, but it reminded her of ancient Middle East and the history books she’d seen.
No one noticed them. She had to move aside not to get run over or stepped on. Terra’s clothes were different too. She was wearing a tan skirt and a crimson, woven shirt that was adorned with golden thread and a mosaic design. She had a matching shawl over her left shoulder. Aetius was wearing a long, tan and black, tight skirt and no shirt. Terra started to perspire, the sun was so hot. The weather was dry, like a desert. Aetius saw she was warm and a cool breeze passed over them.
“Thank you. It’s hot here. Where are we?” Terra looked all around her, trying to get a clue as to where they were. “Are we in the Middle East?”
“We’re in Babylon, Mesopotami
a in the year 572 BC. The mortals can’t see us.”
“You’ve taken us back in time?”
“Yes, I brought you here to see one of the ancient wonders of the world. One I thought you would particularly enjoy, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.” He led her down the street. When they exited the narrow way, he said, “Look. Isn’t it magnificent?”
Terra glanced around the area. “Oh my gods, it’s amazing.”
They were now on a busier thoroughfare. The crowd had really increased. Everyone was going somewhere in what seemed to be a hurry. Some people carrying packages and rushing by them, others strolling along chatting.
She gazed around in awe. “My gods, this is a beautiful and busy city. What a great experience to be here and see all of this.”
“How do you like the elevated and tiered garden?” He pointed to the man-made mountain of greenery.
“Is this the Hanging Garden of Babylon?”
“Yes. A true feat of mortal magic. At least I think so.”
The green beauty of the ascending tiered gardens stunned Terra. “It certainly is a healthy green in the desert city.”
“They have an innovative watering system. So much valuable technology was lost to mortals over time. This city was full of modern conveniences.” He shook his head. “It is sad how humans declined from this. But I guess they got their advances back and more. It just took time.”
“It’s a shame humanity struggled so much when they actually had this type of knowledge in an early era,” Terra agreed.
“On several occasions humans had to start over. They would lose all they learned. Weather, illness, and war often took their accomplishments from them. As far as this city, all of their great feats would be forgotten, for the most part.”
The tiered garden was a mountain of stone, mud bricks, and green trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers. The beauty of it was breathtaking, and it truly was an architectural marvel. “They certainly outdid themselves with this structure and agriculture.”