The Enchanted Wood

[Image]

... Nestled within the poetry of Willow's lullabye and cradled safely in the strength of Cedar's song I let my mind rest. In the moonwashed enchantment of the forest we lay bundled together like a den of kits. I sense a stirring in our water Lily, it is nearing daybreak. Silently I watch, as Cedar and Lily paint the picture of our dawn to be.

 

[Snork Maiden]

A warm feeling spread throughout my body as I stirred from my tranquil sleep. Now the first orange rays of the new day filtered through the tall canopy of the woods as the baby sun was born in the eastern sky, rising slowly over the White Mountains. It’s warmth and soft light burnt away the darkness of the night chasing it in fast retreat into nooks and crannies as the sky began to cycle its colors.

With her head in my lap, the young wood nymph, Ivy slumbered peacefully, her chest rising and falling in a slow rhythmic pattern as she drew the fresh morning air into her being. Gently I stroked the hair from her face. Her light tanned skin felt soft under my fingertips as I traced the contours of her cheeks, the bridge of her small snub nose and long dark lashes.

Sitting there in the birth of a new day as the cool stream trickled endlessly on, I felt more aware, it was as if the veils that obscured my mind were beginning to lift, revealing to my new form’s consciousness, a realisation of passed times and sensations. I was still in a state of half sleep and my eyes closed once more allowing the visions to take shape in my mind.

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It was Fall, the woods were alive with strange sounds and smells. A sweet smell carried on a smoky aroma, laughter and talking. A small tribe of native Indians had gathered and a great feast was being prepared. It was a festival in honor of the Ear of the Corn. The chief sat in front of his tepee with eight young maidens in attendance as a small group of warriors brought forward the roasted carcass of young hind, slain earlier the previous day.

There was much excitement in the camp for not only was the tribe celebrating this most sacred of their festivals, but the young braves who had recently been triumphant in their battles were being honored along with those that had fallen, their own lives sacrificed to benefit the tribe.

The Chief’s wife and daughters brought baskets of fresh baked Corn Bread and passed them around the gathering circle of braves, women and children.

The details became hazy as the scene drifted. It was winter now cold and bitter. The wind blew through the bare branches of the trees. Snow eight inches thick lay on the ground deeper in drifts around the base of each tree where the wind had carried the light flakes. A young woman dressed in thick furs carrying a small bundle in her arms and a pack on her back fought through the blizzard looking for shelter. The cry of a hungry child split the air and she lifted the bundle to her face rocking it gently and singing softly as she forced her way forward. The snow clung to the fur of her boots in small white balls. Onward she struggled until she reached a small cave in rocky outcrop that offered shelter from the winds and snow. The entrance to the cave was littered with dry leaves red, and gold and yellow, the last reminders of the summer and fall. Settling down she lowered her furs to feed her child again singing her lullaby, soft and melancholy.

The baby fed and now in slumber she rummaged in her pack for the small bag of dried berries and fruits she had brought with her, lowering her hood her face was exposed, her long black hair tied back and woven into a single plait. On her cheek a large scar stood out on her pale skin. An angry red weld, the mark of exile. She drew a berry from the bag placing it between her lips before taking it into her mouth and chewing on it. Sleep was closing in on her and she finished her small meal hugging the sleeping baby close to her she slipped into a deep sleep.

Outside the cave the woodland creatures began to assemble, raccoons, squirrels, deer, mountain foxes and bears. Gathering around sitting guard and watching as the mother and child slept peacefully.

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A stirring in the wood woke me once more as I looked around my eyes adjusting to the brightness of the morning sun. I looked around me once more, Cedar shifted in his slumber, his arms wrapped around the water nymph sleeping peacefully my own hand resting gently on the head wood nymph snuggled against me. We had a journey ahead of us, of discovery and enlightenment. My visions intrigued me like a dream and yet more than dreams, more like lost memories. I sat in silence waiting for the other to awaken from their slumbers.

 

[quintessential]

Water Lily

.

 

[cgraven]

Entwined in Ivy’s embrace, awed by Willows grace, moved by the sweet tenderness of Lily’s warm soft lips and words again there delicate presences is in sharp contrast to my crude rugged form. Words from the past spring to my lips words to express what I feel the so bright and delicate.


Two rainbows alone in the ski.

The storm with sudden fury struck.

Biting wind driven rain cuts.


Two rainbows alone in the ski.

One brilliant and vibrant.

One pale and fading.


Two rainbows alone in the ski

Their bows matched in span and breath.

Parallel but destined never to join

Is That my fate always the watcher?

 

[quintessential]

Water Lily

.

 

[Snork Maiden]

Rising gently from my resting place I walk slowly to the edge of the stream, bending gently my hair falling once more over my face sweeping the surface of the cold water as it rushes past me.

Raising cupped handfuls of water to my face, I allow the clear liquid to shock my skin waking me, refreshing me. Again I capture a small part of the stream in my hands holding it still for a moment in my palms. I lift it to my mouth and drink.

Standing up straight I wade slowly into the center of the young river, stretching my arms and looking skywards, I watch the treetops spin as I slowly rotate, the cool water licking at my ankles.


Stepping oh so slowly over wet sand,
You feel it gently,
spill between your toes.
This is a mountain stream,
That runs on, to the sea.
On and On and On
and On, and On

Every Day's a new day
Every day has somethng to show

In this woodland glade,
that they and time forgot,
with a sea of blue, forget-me-not.
The birds awake,
and sing their morning song
Sweet Song,
Morning has come.

Every day's a new day
Every day has a song for you

Spreading my arms up towards Sun
How I love to feel its gentle rays.
In this mystic place
Untouched and left forgotten
Come all, Come one
Come Everyone.

Every day's a new day
Every day is sparkling and new

Spinning round in the morning's new light
All your fears and worries take flight
And a sense of well being,
begins fills your head.
A smile on your face
And joy in your hearts

Every day's a new day
Every day is born just for you

Gentle woodland nymphs
that non but we can see,
Awake in this morning song
Rested in the arms of,
Safe in the Arms of,
a Cedar Tree.

Every day's a new day
Every day is born just for you

Every day's a new day
No more sad and grey days
Share a moment here with me
Every day's a new day
Every day is sparkling and new
No more sad and grey days

Every day's a new day
Born just for you.

I walk back to the group and smile down at them running my hand gently through the hair of the young nymphs and kissing cedar gently on his brow.

Good Morning to you all

 

[Image]

My consciousness awakens slowly and returns from the land it occupied in my dreams. Erotic dreams so close to being fulfilled, so near completion. And each time the dream morphs and silky hands fall from my breasts, leaving my nipples stiff. Soft mouths slip from my wet sex before I can climax. It leaves me frustrated and yearning. And each time I awake, with an aching deep in my groin. And so I masturbate myself to orgasm hoping next time my dreams will bring me to ecstasy instead. This morning is slightly different.....

The dawn comes dewy and bright, promising to teach us new ways. Awakening to the light and smiles of my companions I realize now that I must move on. The innocence of my maidenhood is beginning to pass and I feel a draw towards the South and all He encompasses. Fire, Passion, Creation.... Turning to see Cedar, I begin to understand what is different, what He is about..... Instinctively my being craves what he represents. In my youthfullness I have never known any more than childlike play and passion. But there is more...

The moon waxes to fullness now to nurture the sorceress in us all~
She is ever Triple and ever One~
Her Maiden phase passes over to the ripeness of maturity~
Go now Ivy, create in beauty!~

"Fare well my beautiful Willow, may your delicate, pliant branches always reach for the moon. I'll never forget your soft touch..."

"My sweet Lily, your dreams and intuition are your treasures. The gifts of your emotions are well received by me. I hope our paths cross again soon..."

"And Cedar, without your presence I may not have ever had the courage to grow. Promise to watch after me in my journeys in this wood..."

Crossing the running water of the stream I glance back once more to my friends on the other side. They are aglow in the rays of the morning sun. Perhaps we will meet again in some other place...
Before me appears a flaming blue pentacle. It takes my breath away and leaves me trembling with anticipation. Filled with a longing for the wild and untamed, I step through the door and into the flames...

 

[Snork Maiden]

I watch as Ivy wades away from us, through the crystal waters of the stream. Her movements nimble, quick with urgency and yet she barely disturbs the water’s flow. There is an excitement about her, an awakening and a yearning for new experiences. My mind is drawn back to previous day, when first she and I had first met. The softness and tenderness of her touch, her skin her scent. The bright alert eyes, wide with wonder and longing. Now her dreams had brought her to a new phase, to a higher level of understanding and desire. This moment of innocence, of tentative discovery fast overtaken by an insatiable desire for more.

As she reached the far side of the small brook she turned, her hair black, glinted in the gentle light of the young morning’s sunlight. She wore a gentle smile on her face as she regarded us all in a brief moment of silence.

The air was cool, charged and almost electric as she drew herself up the grassy bank and stood between two tall birches. A mist began to rise from the ground around her, swirling like an army of tiny fingers gently encircling her feet and obscuring them from clear view until her ankles were no longer visible. The static sensation grew, radiating out from her slender body. The mist started to glow gently with a strange pale blue luminescence. Her face turned from us for the last time and the mist swept up around her body swirling and flickering like cool flames. A bright glow appeared around her feet and her form was engulfed in bright glow until her body is no longer visible.

With a flash she was gone, into the unknown realms of discovery. In that instant I captured a thought from her, a parting wish Perhaps we will meet again in some other place...

Perhaps we shall gentle wood nymph, perhaps we shall, my thoughts respond. I am saddened by her departure but feel sure that we shall in time cross paths once more, and spend a little while exchanging tales and experiences of our journey’s and quests.

Turning back to face Cedar and Lily, now standing and watching the departure of our companion, I smile. She is happy, she has reach a new level of understanding. In time maybe we too will attain such levels of consciousness and emotion. I see some woodland creatures have gathered too to watch the departure of our friend, bringing with them berries and nuts for our breakfast.

Come let us partake of these forest fruits and rejoice in our friends new found confidence

 

[cgraven]

I watch as Ivy raises her eyes sad yet hopeful they rest on each on of us in turn.

A word soft and soft for each one of us as she crosses the stream, the flowing water symbol of life an rebirth. A again she pauses.

Her words fall softly on my ears.


“Cedar, without your presence I may not have ever had the courage to grow. Promise to watch after me in my journeys in this wood..."

I rise and stretch out my hand to Ivy. Again her gaze falls on each one of the little company.

A firry door opens before her blinding in its perfect light. Ivy moves to step through.


“I promise to watch after you in your journeys in this wood......Ivy”

She is gone my words lingering on the wind.

She is happy, she has reach a new level of understanding. In time maybe we too will attain such levels of consciousness and emotion.”



“Come let us partake of these forest fruits and rejoice in our friends new found confidence”

Yes Willow let us gather and enjoy the bounty of the woods

 

[quintessential]

Water Lily

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[cgraven]

Willows words ring true, a new day has dawn and there is a new strange feeling deep with in my new from, a naming feeling that I know must be satisfied, the need for nourishment.

My eyes see the Woods in a new light. Things overlooked for years on my lofty ridge now seen for the first time. Mushrooms growing on the edge of a patch of moss, nuts from the beech, wild onions, and garlic, little bits of life so often overlooked that provide nourishment for not only the body but the soul.


My foot step are guide by an unseen force up the rushing stream slowly I pull away from Lily, and Willow drawn on till at last I reach a long slow flowing section of the stream that has slowed in its merry dance from the snow fields of its birth to the sea.

Drawn into the flowing water again a shadow moves beneath the placid surface, It is slow and sinuous in its moment, suspended in the crystal stream slowly my hands dip into the water. Time lingers, my movements maddeningly slow, till my fingers tickle the sides of that rainbow shadow. Then Like lightening I strike. The brilliant shadow so fluid in the crystal stream flops and thrashes on the bank. Its beauty and life quickly fading. I feel sorrow for this thing of beauty but something deep with in my new core tells me It will nourish me .

Nourishment, a need to survive. a bit of innocents lost

 

[Snork Maiden]

We sit silently as we eat our breakfast, the moment is saddened by the departure of our friend and there is a feeling of loss amongst the company. The sense of loss is most intense from the water nymph it is a feeling I have not felt before. A disconnected feeling, loss like fingers that reach into a mist to catch a dream.

I put my arm around Lily, comforting her, drawing her head to my bosom as I caress her hair. Her hair is soft and sweetly fragrant. Holding her close comforts me also, for in my brief existence I had only encounter this sensation before; in the arms of Ivy. Now once more I began to feel the warm glow inside, the strong aura of this nymph comforted me for I to was saddened by Ivy’s parting.

The morning was unravelling at a faster pace as the sun sped towards the sky its ray growing warmer and brighter. Cedar looked distant, thoughtful almost as if in a trance. I watched him from the grassy patch where I sat my hands gently caressing Lily soft arms as my own embraced her he turned towards the stream wading into the waters. For a moment I thought he too was going to follow in Ivy’s footsteps, my mouth opened to call after him but I stopped as I watched him turn in the water. He stood regarding the surface, watching the ripples and then he began to move in the stream. Slow at first, unsure but quickly gaining confidence he started to follow the current of the stream.

Helping Lily her feet I speak to her ’Come gentle one, let us leave this sunny glade, there are memories bitter-sweet here abouts. It is time to move on to new places and discoveries’ I turned again, my eyes following the now briskly moving Cedar as he himself is drawn magnetically onwards in the stream. ’Let us follow Cedar, our destinies are somehow entwined we should keep close together

We walked for a while along the grassy bank of the stream, my arms still around the body of the nymph my eyes never leaving the figure of Cedar.
Occasionally the path dipped away from the stream taking us into the shady fringes of the wood, the floor carpeted with blue and yellow flowers, their scent attracting bees and butterflies each seeking the precious nectar, each for a different but equally import purpose.

The stream grew wider and the waters deeper and slower, these changes too slowed the progress of Cedar as the resistance to his motion increased.

We rounded a gentle bend as the stream meandered gently onwards and here Cedar paused his head lowered slightly as he watched the water. His arms moved gracefully, wide spread and bend low his hands dipped in the water. It was as if he was swaying, his arms gently moved to and fro. I watched with curiosity at this strange dance. With a sudden movement, faster than the eye could capture he dips and rises, the surface of the water broken in white foam and the crack of a splash echoes across the water to where I stand with Lily.

There is a flash of silver which flies towards the bank some fifty feet from us and I sense a sudden feeling of panic and stifling. Cedar moves towards the bank to the place where the object fell, my breathing is labored and my muscles ache I gasp for air collapsing to the floor.

My body sweats and my arms and legs are twitching. What is this feeling? Lily! Lily! Help me, what is happening ?, my voice is quick and full of fear I can feel part of me slipping away uncontrollably.

I pass into unconsciousness..

 

[quintessential]

Water Lily

.

 

[cgraven]

Innocents lost

The brilliant shadow so fluid in the crystal stream flops and thrashes on the bank. Its beauty and life quickly fading. I feel sorrow for this thing of beauty but something deep with in my new core tells me It will nourish me .

Companion’s unseen ,yet their presence felt, joy turns to fear, fear to something darker. Alarm and terror racked my heart. I turn as a dark shadow passes over my soul.

Willow’s body drenched in sweats, arms and legs are twitching.

”Lily! Lily! Help me, what is happening ?”

Her voice is quick and full of fear, growing weaker trailing off to a mere whisper.

Lily falls to her knees covering Willow’s still form with her own, cradling her like a babe, protecting her from the unknown terror that has struck. I stand over them now, my hands hang limp at my side, a feeling of utter despair grips my heart. Lily’s prayer ascending to the heavens, Willow breathing grows strong even as Lily begins to fade. If in some unknown way they are connected,

A twitch from the silver rainbow catches my eye, grandfather’s voice comes to my mind.

At what price nourishment my young stripling?


The shadow is lifted from my eyes and tears spring to my eyes. Slowly I bed lifting the silver shadow’s barley twitching form in my hands. I cradle it and return to the crystal flow.

The words only my heart can hear guide me. Grandfather leads me.

The silver rainbow again rest between my fingers. I move it back and forth in the flowing life of the stream, slowly I feel the life force return, it grows stronger then suddenly darts from my hands..

Again I am at the side of my companions, Willows eyes are closed as in sleep, her breathing growing ever stronger. Yet Lily is pale, wilted, her bosom barely stirs. She is in my arms her supple form rests in my lap , she is so pale, yet her beauty still shines from with in. My lips, bend to hers , tenderly they brush hers, and in that kiss I share the very breath of life with her. Her lips are cold to the touch.

I will never be the same for a treasured secret has been reveled to me, my days of innocence now lost with that knowledge.

 

[Snork Maiden]

The sky spun as my legs collapsed under the dead weight of my body and I lost all control of my muscles. Quivering on the soft grass I feel my consciousness slipping from me as if drained by some unseen and intangible force. Slowly the blues and greens of the sky and forest faded into an inky blackness and I could feel the icy cold fingers of paralysis taking over.

Then nothing. For an indeterminable time it was if I was floating in a limbo, no sounds, no sight no feeling just an awareness. My mind screamed out, “What is happening to me ?”

It felt as if I was falling and yet I had no perception of motion. My thoughts drifted again, I had the vision that I was just a sapling in my first year of existence. Small and vulnerable, the feeling I had before, just prior to slipping into unconsciousness came to me again, it was winter the cold wind chilled my slender trunk. My branches drooped the sap within them frozen by the harshness of the north wind which blew, my roots cramped by the frozen soil that crushed against them.

Then I heard a voice, a voice I had not heard for many years. Soft and gentle it eased the panic and feeling of fear I had experienced. Fear not young Willow for these sensations will pass. It is in the nature of things that you shall pass through this cold phase many times it will pass and shortly you will find that you will find the earth once more will warm your roots and the sun your gently flowing branches. The voice was that of the great Earth Mother whose wisdom and experience was as great and as old as time itself.

Returning to my abyss of black my thoughts picked up on that voice once more. You are still a young spirit and the journey ahead of you is a long and often lonely one, in time you will come to understand the nature of the world, learn the unspoken name of things, for each thing has a name unspoken. You are as one with the world and the world with you, each thing is connected, river, mountain, tree. The birds of the air, the beasts of the land, the creatures of the sea connected to one another, their destiny as yours all part of the whole.

Her voice continued softly, speaking directly to my mind, It is not your time to pass this existence, the feelings you experience are given to show you the bonds that tie all living spirits together. Even now as you remain here in this state of timelessness your companions to are learning of these things, each in their own way, for an experience has much to offer, to each a different lesson is learned. The knowledge given is a gift to be shared, the experience another step towards your understanding of destiny. Go now, return to your companions for you are bound to their journey as much as they are to yours, together you will find the way to let your spirits fly free and understand the joy that is life. Her voice faded softly and was replaced by that of another, soft and gentle.

As I began to regain consciousness I became aware of a gentle fall of rain on my face, the soft and caring words of the voice coming through clearer and louder, it was Lily. Her gentle face bowed low over mine, her tears the rain that fell upon my soft skin. She looked drawn and wilted her emotion draining from her to my own body reviving my limbs and bring feeling back to me. The effort clearly a great strain on this delicate nymph.

My eyelids flutter and I feel the gentle kiss and smell once more the fortifying scent of Cedar blended with the soft perfume of Lily. My eyes open once more and gaze upon the worried faces of my companions.

We are all as one, my voice weak as I offer the Earth Mother’s message to them.

My hand reaches to touch the cheek of Lily, feeling the damp tear stained skin, still soft to the touch my other to cedar strong face, his wide caring eyes looking down at me with concern.

I am well, fear not gentle friends I embrace them both drawing them to me our auras combining in a healing orb.

 

[quintessential]

Water Lily

.

 

[cgraven]

Cedar

Our lip’s share the breath of life. Lily’s so soft warm and full. Ever so slowly that kiss deepens. The lessons learned that all life is connected, spins in my mind's eye. A dizzying flash of images, Ivy and Willow by the stream, Willow and Lily in the comfort of each others arms in consolation, my on stoic presence moody dark all intertwined .

Lights visions of the Enchanted wood, my solitary life as a lone Guardian high on the windswept ridge. Willows her gentile trailing arms embracing the weary traveler, offering rest shade and the fulfillment of their hearts desire. Lily’s quite home in the eddy of the stream, her gentle subtle beauty a delight to the eyes.

Lips, hands, of three, tender caress, shy exploration. The world spins in delightful sensations, a longing ach in the core of my new from a lump in my chest and I surrender to the mired of sights , sounds and feelings that now engulf me, carrying me away on their rising crest.

 

[Snork Maiden]

My strength returning, I watch as Cedar takes Lily gently into his strong arms supporting her frail slender body. This moment brings the bonds of water nymph and sturdy tree together, a sense of longing easing, a sense of awareness growing. It is Lily’s time now to draw strength from the tall tree spirit as he cradles her. Tentatively his face, gentle and concerned draws closer to hers and I watch as she turns her face from me slowly to meet his caring gaze.

As if caught in a frozen image they face each other, hesitant, unsure and yet compelled by some unseen instinct, the exchange of their scent, increasing their desire. Slowly their faces move towards each other their lips but briefly grazing each other, the slow gentle flutter of eyelids and an immense pulse of energy as the two become one in that moment of lightest embraces.

Slowly they rise holding each other gently. Lily wraps her arms around the strong frame of her Cedar his own muscular arms embracing her, holding her body close to his, their faces obscured as they tilt to the side, their lips crushing gently but more firmly against each other.

I feel the emotion radiating from them, and share in the warmth of its pure delight, it unburdened passion and it moves my spirit. Smiling with the joy that these two wood spirits have reach a new understanding of life, of companionship and of love, I rise from my grassy bed, watching them as they twist and turn in the arms of each other.

Slowly I move away from the couple regarding them happily, their journey now begun. The stream trickled by, its waters rushing onward, moving like the fleeting moments of time and memory. Ivy her own journey begun earlier that day, “how fared she?” my thoughts caught her image briefly and then as I regarded Cedar and Lily. A smile spread across my face. It was time to leave, to move on, my own journey still had many miles to run many paths to choose. It was my fate to be the lonely Willow Tree that stood peacefully over a babbling brook, offering shade and comfort, dreams and clarity of thought to those that sort solace and comfort.

Glancing back one last time to watch them I whispered, “Farewell my dear friends, Farewell”, before heading into the woods to discover my own destiny the sound of the stream fading with each footfall until it was indistinguishable from the sounds of the woods around me.

 

[quintessential]

Water Lily

.

 

[cgraven]

Cedar

Tears of joy

Teares of sorrow

Water the deep dark fertile earth.

Tears of regret for a parting too soon taken.

Tears of joy for a gentle soul at peace.

Tears to fill the empty aching heart

Tears of love to nourish a new life

Tears the signs of the circle of life.

I kneel, my arm around sweet shy Lily’s shoulder. My voice soft moist and warm at her ear.

‘It is time we continue our journey.”

 

[quintessential]

Water Lily

.

 

[cgraven]

The forest ever the wise and loving mother draws Lily and I from the sadly peaceful resting place of our friends , the streams soft seductive babbling murmurings calls to us;

Follow

Its rocks and boulders weathered and worn raise their heads proudly refusing to submit willing to the ravages of time.

"Cedar, what is to become of us?"

There is a longing, a questioning in Lily’s eyes, a trembling whisper in her voice of why we are here, our passed existences left behind to walk in the "Enchanted Wood"? My hand cups her face her lips part, so moist and inviting.

The sound, sights ,fragrance, of the woods caresses our senses, the very texture of the rich forest floor beneath us enfolds us in the circle of life. Its coming, its goings, the joys and sorrows that enrich us and makes us strong for the trial.

I am lost in the cool comforting depths of Lily’s eyes. My lips a breath away from hers.

“Sweet Lily I do not know.”

There is a tear in my eye as my lips sweetly brush Lily’s.