by Marnie Cate
“Enough of this sentimentality, Daisy,” Blaze chided. “She needs to be strong now.”
“And use her intuition,” said Breeze.
“And never forget her joy,” said Bay.
“And know she is strong and most importantly loved,” said Daisy as she stood and took the hand of Bay, who took the hand of Blaze who finally took the hand of Breeze. In front of me, they twirled until they formed white streams of smoke. They spun around me as if saying farewell.
“I won't forget my promise.” I whispered, as I watched them fade away.
Chapter 16
I sat out under the tree thinking for what seemed like a few minutes but as I looked at the settling sun, I realized that I must have been there for hours. The rustle of leaves from behind stirred me from my thoughts. The smell of lavender and cinnamon told me who was behind me.
Sitting down by me, she took my hand in her own. We sat in silence watching the sunset. When the sky was no longer orange and pink and had turned black with shining stars, she finally spoke, “Come inside, love. Cole and Meg are waiting for you.”
“I'm not ready for this, Gram,” my voice cracked. “I cannot be who they think I am…who you think I am.”
“It is not who we think you are that matters. It is who you are.” she said, as she stood holding her hand out to me. “We have a big day tomorrow. Let's have dinner and make plans.”
Taking her hand, we walked back to the house. Stopping, I held her hand tightly. “Wait,” I said. “I think we need to make more of that memory potion tomorrow. If something happens, I want to be able to protect the magic.”
“See, my girl, it is what is inside you already. Tomorrow morning we will make more in case it is needed.” She smiled at me, as she tugged my hand. “Now let's go eat.”
When we arrived home and entered the kitchen, we found Cole and Meg laughing and playing a card game.
“Cos,” Meg cried out, “You cheat. You can't play that card!”
Placing her cards on the stack, she shouted, “I win! You cheated!”
“Winning is not cheating,” Cole chuckled. “You are becoming a horrible poor sport.”
Interrupting their battle, Gram called, “Let's clear the table. The lasagna is ready and the garlic toast is going to burn if we wait much longer.”
Never wanting to miss a meal, Cole hopped up and went for the plates, “Come on, Meg, we will play again after dinner.”
Following him and grumbling, she said, “Why would I want to play with a cheater?” Laughing, he reached back and tousled her hair.
Dinner was exactly what we all needed. The warm vegetable lasagna oozed with cheese and the garlic bread was crispy and buttery. Eating and laughing, Gram went over her mental checklist for tomorrow.
After we finished the meal and all the dishes were cleaned up and put away, we settled in the living room. Meg and Gram were snuggled on the large overstuffed purple love seat and Cole and I were sitting close together on the red couch.
“Everything is ready to go,” Gram said, as she smoothed Meg's hair. “In the morning, we can load up the truck and head out about nine. I want everyone to bed early.” Eyeing me, she repeated, “Everyone.”
Yawning, I agreed, “I am exhausted already. I think I am going to make it an early night after I take a warm bath.” Putting my head on Cole's shoulder, I asked, “You won't be too mad if I head off now will you?”
Looking over at my grandmother and sister that looked like they would nod off at any moment, he chuckled, “You all have had a long day. We should all hit the hay.”
Agreeing, Gram stood up and kissed us both on the head. “Come on, little one,” she said, tousling Meg's hair. “You will be the star of the stage tomorrow.”
“Can I sleep with you tonight, Gram,” she asked, “Mara will toss and turn and keep me up all night.”
“Of course you can. I would miss your cold feet if you didn't,” she laughed, as she led my little sister off. Calling back to us, she said, “Off to bed soon, little ones.”
Laughing, Cole replied, “Yes ma'am.”
Turning to me, he held out my arm and examined the healing wound that just last night was a deep cut. “I guess soon you will know all of her healing tricks.” Kissing the inside of my wrist, he said, “Go take your bath. I am going to get ready for bed myself.”
I gave Cole one last kiss and climbed the ladder to my room. It seemed like days since I had been in my room but it had only been this morning. With one last look as I exited the bedroom, I caught sight of my dolls on the shelf. Seeing the replicas of my living guardians, I felt a warm comfort.
I started the large bath that was in the center of the room and went into my walk in closet. I pulled my pink fluffy robe and my purple nightgown off a hook and I felt around on the shelf until I found a glass bottle.
Taking the bottle to the bath, I opened it and smelled the white powder inside. Vanilla and lavender filled my senses. I dumped in a generous amount and swirled my hands in the warm water to mix in the bath salts. Taking off my clothes and climbing into the tub, I slipped down for a long soak. The warm water surrounded me and I began to feel the stress of the day lifting. As I slowly ran my hand back and forth gently splashing the water, I let the memories that had been locked away be released. Images of my time playing with the magic around me and my secret friends filled my mind.
A soft knock on the door interrupted memories, “Are you ok in there? You have been in there a long time,” Cole called to me.
“I will be out in a minute,” I called back. How long had I been in here soaking? My prune-like fingers confirmed that I had extended my soak longer than planned. I pulled the chain of the tub and watched the water flow down the drain.
Drying myself off with a fluffy pink towel, I began to wonder if I really had the magic inside me. I hesitantly lifted my right hand above me and swirled my pointer finger.
“Air, come to me,” I commanded.
Warm air hovered above as I circled the air as if directing the air to contain me. As I moved it up and down, the moisture on my skin slowly dried. Circling my head, I felt my hair lift and drop as the air fell between each strand.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
Slipping into my nightgown, I could not believe how soft and dry my hair felt. Twisting my hair into a long braid, I banded it and then slipped into my robe. When I left the bathroom, Cole was sitting on Meg's bed.
“I was worried about you,” he said. “You were in there almost an hour.”
“Sorry, I didn't know I was in there so long. I was lost in my thoughts,” I said, as I kissed him on the cheek.
“I understand. I cannot believe everything that happened today. It seems so surreal,” Cole took my hand and held me close. “We have a big day tomorrow. You should get some sleep.”
“Can you sleep up here tonight with me? I don't want to be alone,” I asked.
“I don't think Gram would be a fan of that, Mara,” he hesitated and let go of me.
“I meant that you would sleep in Meg's bed tonight. Gram shouldn't have a problem with that arrangement.” I smirked. “I just don't want to be alone tonight.”
I took my robe off and slipped into my bed. Cole tucked my covers in around me and he kissed me tenderly, “You should be warm enough now. I love you future, Mrs. Sands.”
Once he had climbed through Meg's mound of stuffed toys and snuggled under her blankets, I called over to him, “Sleep sweet, future Mr. Stone.”
Drifting off to sleep, I heard his soft laugh as he called back, “We will need to discuss that later.”
Chapter 17
I was awoken by the gentle shake of my grandmother.
“What time is it,” I asked, wiping the sleep from my eyes.
“Shh, don't wake Cole,” she said, looking over to make sure he was still asleep. “We need to be quick if we want to make the memory potions. It will be sunrise soon.”
Gram handed me a long red sweater and motioned for me to p
ut it on and follow her.
The kitchen was warm and the smell of warm bread and muffins baking filled the air. Today was the day of the Lunar Festival. Gram had so much to do this morning and she should not have to worry about my requests.
“Gram, this can wait.” I said, feeling guilty. “Let's just do this tomorrow. One more day won't change anything.”
“Shush, we do not have time for you to overthink the situation. I have everything gathered,” she said, patting a white wicker basket. “Bread is baking and everything is ready for today. What I need is for you to go grab two white candles from the pantry.”
When I returned with the candles, Gram led me to the backyard. We walked past the large tree where my magical picnics had been held as a child. We walked to the edge of the property and into Starten Forest. Suddenly feeling scared, I grabbed Gram's hand and held it tightly.
“It's ok, love,” she comforted. “Just a little way further. You are safe.”
The dark green trees of our backyard ended and the crimson red trees of the eastern Starten Forest began. Trees with dark black trunks that were gnarled and twisted with long black branches sprouted red leaves and black flower petals. The ground was covered with the blood red color of the shed leaves of the summer.
We continued to walk until we reached an open area. In the middle of the cleared ground, a large gray stone table stood waist high. In the center were the words Cosain an draiocht surrounded by ruby colored names.
As I moved forward to inspect, I could see the same names that were on my grandmother's chest. When I came to Mae Silver, I stopped and traced it for a moment. The elegant shape of the glittery red letters told me that she wrote her name here.
“Hold out your hand, Mara,” Gram commanded.
Hesitating for only a moment, I extended my hand. With one hand, Gram pulled my hand into hers. In her other hand, she held a silver dagger that twinkled with emerald colored gems on the hilt. With a quick movement, she sliced the tip of my finger with the blade. My finger instantly began to bleed. Gasping, I pulled my hand away to try to stop the bleeding. She grabbed my hand back and held it tightly.
“Sign your name in the stone,” she calmly said. “It will heal the pain.”
Listening to her words, I carefully began to sign my name using my bleeding fingertip. As I watched the stone absorb my blood, I felt a warmth begin in my finger that traveled up my arm and up my neck. Staring at my name changing from dark dried blood to a smooth red colored stone, I felt a feeling of peace settle over me. I felt the hesitation and doubt I had been carrying with me begin to lift away.
“You feel it don't you,” Gram said, as she took my hand.
Looking from my finger to my blood signature, I felt like I was just in another one of my dreams.
“The pure magic we protect has been unleashed in you. You should no longer feel that you are incomplete. It is time for you to embrace the magic we protect. Trust what you feel.” With those words, she began to pull out different colored glass bottles labeled with her elegant handwriting from her basket and began to line the table.
Handing me a small bowl and a grinding stick, she said, “Place the mortar on the table. I will use mine and we will do this together.”
With the two bowls side by side, she began by handing me the first bottle. The purple bottle had Lavender written on it in the center of a small crescent moon.
“Open this bottle and begin grinding the leaves,” she directed.
“How much do I use?” I suddenly felt unsure of myself.
Taking my hand, she stared hard at me, “You know what to do. Just listen to your heart.”
With a deep breath, I shook some of the lavender into the bowl and began to grind it. I felt the air around me grow warm and the crushed purple leaves began to swirl around the bowl. Adding more, I heard a small hum. Looking over at my grandmother, I could see the crushed herbs in her bowl swirling and emitting a small smoke. She hummed a soft song as she ground the herbs.
“What am I doing wrong? Should I be singing too?” I fearfully asked her.
Smiling she just responded holding the bottle back out to me, “If your heart sings, sing. If you feel the urge to dance, dance. Just focus and listen to magic around us.”
As I took the bottle of lavender from her, I felt the warm magic radiate from her body. It softly ran through my body and I felt a soft patting of my hand. Closing my eyes and slowly breathing, I began to focus on everything around me. The soft swirl of the herbs in my bowl softly sang to me and I felt the need to twirl around. Embracing the feeling, I danced and twirled as I added more purple petals to the bowl. As if in response to my energy, the bowl began to emit long waves of white tendrils that lifted the crushed herbs and spun them.
I looked over at Gram who was watching me with a big smile. She handed me a clear bottle with cinnamon sticks that were soaking in an oil.
“Two sticks for this spell,” she said, “unless you feel different.”
Taking the cork off the bottle, the strong smell of vanilla and cinnamon filled my nose. I pulled one stick out. Breaking it in half, I heard YES crackle on the wind. Putting the cork back on the bottle, I handed it back to Gram and she smiled and nodded.
We continued to crush the cinnamon and lavender together until the white tendrils turned red hot. Taking the blue bottle with the words Rain Water in the center of a full moon, I took the cork off and let three drops slowly fall from it. The red smoke rose to the drops. As the drops met the smoke, the smoke turned to a long beaded chain of water droplets.
“As the sun begins to rise, center your heart on this potion. Let your heart speak of the good that will be done with this potion. Do not dwell on what will be taken away with it. Instead, rejoice in what will be protected. Does it feel finished to you?” Gram asked.
I stared into the swirling bowl and felt the magic of Blaze, Breeze and Bay. I listened longer and instantly knew what was missing.
“We are missing Earth. The magic that Daisy held isn't here.”
Laughing, she handed me a brown bottle labeled, Sea Salt. “A pinch as the sun rises will make this complete.”
Taking the lid of the bottle, I felt the coarse salt between my fingers. Sparks of power shot through my hands and I reached over to take my grandmother's hand as I waited for the cresting sunrise to begin. The dark sky was fading and the soft orange and pink hues of the morning sky were peaking. As the sun began to rise, we sprinkled the salt from our fingers. The smokes swirled of red, blue, green, yellow and orange. A song of joy came out of the bowl. Gram and I hugged and danced around the table feeling magic around us. As the sun continued to rise, I felt a connection to her that seemed so familiar.
Squeezing me tightly, she whispered in my ear, “The power inside you is strong and pure. Just trust yourself.”
As the smoke of the potion stilled and disappeared into the morning sky, we filled four small vials with the purple liquid.
The remaining liquid was put in a silver bottle with a garnet crested cork. Handing me the dagger that she had used to prick my finger earlier, she said, “Prick your finger and press it on to the label. I will do the same.”
I used the tip of the blade to prick my finger and returning the blade to Gram, she did the same. We placed our bleeding fingers on to the bottle's label. The red jewels glowed as the white label absorbed the mark we made.
“Even though our blood has bound the magic to us, we share the same family line as Eliza.” Gram said, “We will put this somewhere safe.”
“When you feel it is needed, the vial consumed must be filled again with a pinch of crushed rosemary and the liquid from the bottle we sealed. This should be put away in a safe place for when or if the memory should be returned.”
Pausing as if deciding to continue, she spoke softer. “If the memories should never be returned, the second vial should not have rosemary but instead two pinches of dried devil's claw. This will not harm the person that drinks it but it will completely erase
their memory and magic.”
With those words, she began filling her basket. Once it was filled, she held her hands to the sky and said, “Your blessings fill our hearts and we thank you for the gifts. Merry meet and merry meet again.”
“Merry meet again,” I repeated, as we clasped hands and headed back to our home.
Chapter 18
When we returned Cole and Meg were dressed and waiting in the kitchen. Cole had even taken the muffins and bread out of the oven to cool. He had scrambled some egg whites with fresh parmesan, asparagus and chives. We ate our breakfast and chatted about the upcoming day. Once our breakfast was finished and the kitchen was cleaned up, we all dispersed to get ready. I spent more time than usual getting dressed. The Lunar Festival was my favorite time of year.
“Mara, we are all ready and waiting,” Gram called up to me. “We are leaving with or without you.”
Taking one last look at my dress for the day, I felt confident with my choice. The knee-length red summer dress and my black cowboy boots would be comfortable enough to work and dance later if the mood struck. I had styled my long black hair with loose curls and pulled the sides up and out of my face.
I joined my family in our silver pick-up truck. The bed of the truck was loaded with the boxes of items we would be selling. As I slid in next to Cole, Meg began complaining about being squished. Cole picked her up and put her on his lap silencing her complaints.
“Let's not be cranky today. Today is an important day for our town to join together and celebrate,” Cole whispered. “And, it will be even more special tonight since you will be in your first Lunar Dance.”
Once again, Cole had turned her mood for day. Meg's face lifted with a broad smile and she began telling us all about the upcoming dance she would perform.
When we arrived on Main Street, the wooden trade stands had been set up at the end of the street and the stage was ready for tonight's performances. We made our way to Gram's stand that stood out. While most of the shops were simple wood stands, Gramp had designed a store for Gram. The typical seller had just a stand with a tabletop area for the goods to be presented.