Months went by. Nothing extraordinary happened, except my size. I only had about four weeks left Hiila said. I was so huge moving was near impossible. I had stopped attending my meetings, or court. Raven, Ash and Nicky took over everything. The children now came to me to visit instead of me going to the nursery. Neil who was now twelve, was still staying with Mother Willow and Father Oak. He would until he turned thirteen, he would then come home for a year before moving to be fostered by William the Red.

Isabella who at nine, now refused to be called Iz, was a huge help with her (soon to be three) brother Hawk. She was also excited about the new babe and would sit and talk to it everyday. The following week went by and I was confined to my bed. I was grumpy, whiny and snappish. I was much relieved when my water broke the follow day.

It was worst this time than last, much worse. Again the people came to witness the birth of the new child. Again I had to suffer in silence. This time took much longer, I was too weak and big to push without aid. Hiila and Father worried the people would doubt the strength of their Queen. Raven worried for the life of the babe as it seemed it was stuck. My water had broke in the early morning hours, by the next morning the people had gathered and I was moved for them to view. Now, evening was approaching and nothing was happening. I had pushed and pushed into exhaustion.

Finally Mora announced the babe was stuck and must be turned, however as she reached between my legs, she moved back shaking her head. “No, Not turned, just huge and stuck, I will have to help a little, Hiila stand by me a moment and block the view” she said. With that Hilla stood beside her, Mora reached down to grab the babe telling me to push and I did. I pushed and pushed, while she helped the babe along, until she shoved Raven in place between my legs. “The blood of the Mother give you life, The blood of the Father give you life, The blood of the Mother keeps you everlasting, The blood of the Father keeps you everlasting” he said as he drew a dagger, slicing his arm and letting his blood drip onto the head of the child as done with Hawk. This time it was much harder to now stop the babe from coming while he perform this. Mora replaced him quickly nodding for me to push again. I pushed as she pulled until searing pain racked my body and she pulled out the babe. I watched in pain as she rubbed it, shook it, and it began to cry. I remember thinking how I hope it was a girl, the answer to our problems. She handed the baby to Raven and looked at me shaking her head no, that terrified me, was something wrong with the baby, then she said “Come on my Queen , you are not done, push, hard, harder than you have ever pushed.” And I did, tears flew down my cheeks, I felt like my entire body was being pulled apart and then out of no where, well, another head. As Raven made his way to show the people the first baby, Hiila grabbed him, again he must perform the ritual on the second babe, and he did, barely finishing before the other was born. This time Mora nodded that it was over, she was cleaning me up, both babies were squalling.

Raven took the babies and held them out on the balcony, the people were cheering. Hilla and Father went to stand beside him, taking one of the babies. Raven held out one to the crowd “Torin, Prince of Goldenbrook” Raven announced and the crowd cheered. Taking the next babe, he announced “Tiernan, Prince of Goldenbrook”. The people were frenzied! Twin sons born to the Queen and King, a good omen in deed!

Twins they were indeed with twin golden blonde hair and green eyes! Two beautiful huge sons, I instantly fell in love with, but still no daughter to protect our world from outsiders.

First Day starts with the Hunt King rounding up the men to go back to their homes. The women wake at their leisure alone in the forest to eventually make their way home as well. Some never know the man or woman they spent The Hunt with, many are masked. Some were already couples, some find new love. There is no shame from The Hunt. It is a time of celebration, enjoyment, firsts, womanhood, fertility and magic. Most of the virgins from Seed Day no longer virginal. Many childless women gifted with babes. There are no accusation or jealous spouses. It is they way of our people. Of course I doubt many discuss the intimate details with their spouses.

The Hunt coupled Amy and Jayce, which of course was my hope. The news traveled that it also couple Tal with a girl we did not know, but had no doubt we would soon meet.

Now it was First Day a final day of relaxation before everyone’s normal routines began again. While shops opened, other work halted or slowed to a minimum. Raven and I spent the day in bed.

I fly up into a tree as a falcon. I crouch on a limb high above and watch and listen. I catch glimpses of couples walking, women on the run, men on the chase, the fairy are playing our game too, lights dance through the forest. I hear giggles, and scuffling feet, the sounds of love making, growling, moaning, squeals, tinkling and the trees whispering amongst themselves. What I did not see or hear was Raven. I leapt down from my spot in the tree and crouched at the base, sniffing the air. Too late! I sharp tug to my head snapped me back against powerful legs. He wound my hair tightly in his fist, yanking me up.

“Ah, it seems I’ve caught a wee rabbit” he whispered into my hair. I turned quickly my eyes flashed green, I bared fangs at him and hissed. “Um, not rabbit, cat” he said licking his lips. He had painted vines on one side of his face, I stood on my toes and I licked it, berry. He inhaled, I felt a growl vibrate his chest. I smiled wickedly licking my lips. “Witch” he exhaled. I took my hands on either side of his head pulling him down to kiss his full lips. He released my hair and I darted off. I ran and ran, pleased with my escape. I heard him howling, padded feet bounded through the forest behind me. I ran to a cliff wall, dead end, I turned, wolf, growling, gold eyes bright, glowing, Raven. He walked toward me slowly in wolf form, his lip curled, teeth bared, growling, and snapping. My body burned like liquid gold flood through my veins. A twig snapped, distracting him, I raced past him.

The next time he found me he was once again in his true form. I was standing behind a tree, the coast was clear, turning I jumped right into his arms. His hands went right back to my hair, this time stealing the kiss I previously teased him with. He yanked my head back so hard I saw stars, he claimed my mouth with force, pushing his honeyed tongue into my mouth. I love the taste of that man! He worked his way nibbling and biting my neck. I felt blood run down my throat where his teeth had grazed. Felt his smooth tongue lick it off. With one arm he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. I wiggled and kicked, he laughed deep.

He dropped me, literally, under a tree in a little clearing. He fell to his knees before me. I scampered back until he grabbed my waist pulling himself between my legs. He pulled out a dagger, my eyes grew larger, my heart raced in my chest. He trailed it down my body slowly, watching me squirm as the cold blade tickled me. Heat filled his eyes as he cut the clothes off me. He threw the dagger down and greedy fingers dig into my breast. He trailed down my body with licks and nibbles. I could not take much more. I had my hands dug into his silky hair as he kissed the inside of my thigh.

He pulled himself up to my eye level “Mine” he growled “Do ye yield?” he asked. I shook my head no. He stood, I thought he was going to walk off, panic filled me, but then I realized he was stripping off his clothes. My body tingled and became wet and inviting at the sight of him naked. He kneeled between my legs again. I could feel the swell of him between my legs, if I could just arch myself, but he had his hand firmly on my middle. He grabbed me, pulled me to my knees, he turned me, so he was behind me. I stayed on my knees, my arms outstretched, hands on the tree in front of me. He moved my hair to my shoulder it draping in front of me down one breast. He was behind me on his knees, nibbling my shoulder, I growled. “Yield” he said, pulling me against him, reaching around to cup my breast with one hand. His other hand snaked it’s way down my body to the part that was secretly begging for him. “Aye, ye yield” he said at my readiness for him. Placing his hands around my waist he lifted me ever so slightly and then pulling me down hard and impaling me. Stars filled my vision as he took me violently. He put his hand on my back pushing me onto my hands and knees, ramming his self into me, over and over, pleasure blinded me, he howled behind me as my orgasm shook me to the core.

But he was not done, and this I love about him, his ability to bring me time and time again! He backed away from me to turn me over. He sat back on his knees and pulled me up to him. I wrapped my legs about his waist, he lifted my bottom, driving him into me again. I leaned back and rode him, with his hands he cupped my bottom forcing me to go faster. I sat up and let him take control. My hands in his hair as he bent to kiss me, to taste my breasts. I stared into his eyes, drowning in them as I came again and again, waves crashing through my body, he growled as I came around him. Harder, deeper he thrust, until he threw back his head and growled, primally, and then he howled at the moon as he released his seed deep inside me, bringing me to climax one last time. We collapsed in a heap in the leaves. “My soul” he whispered kissing the back of my head as we drifted to sleep….

Positively my favorite holiday of the year! First, Nicky, who has been staring over my shoulder while I write is refusing to leave until I include this…since I love to hunt! As you know by now my Mother gave the beast the ability to speak. To me! However, not all beast can speak. The beast that we eat, can not speak, they were not given the gift of knowledge or speech. As I meet with my council members regularly this includes Shadow and Shadowdancer, who represent all beast of the kingdom. Hunting in general is done by all who must hunt for food, once a month, on the same day. This arrangement is to ensure the safety of the high beasts. And so it is with this same arrangement that The Hunt takes place. Now, Nicky, can leave me alone to finish writing!

As I was saying, this is my favorite part of First. This is the first official hunt of the new year. The day starts out with a huge hunting party heading out from the castle to hunt boar and deer. Raven and I lead to give blessing for a bountiful year. Other hunting parties go off from the villages and towns as well. What is caught is then taken to the kitchens to be cleaned and stored. The first kill is readied for the nights celebrations.

The Hunt at night is a completely different kind of hunt. It is at this hunt that the Seed Day virgins finish their transformation to womanhood. This is a time of pure primal animalistic ritual. It takes place in every village’s or town’s largest forest. The first kill of the day is roasted and ate, bonfies are lit, music playing, mead and wine flow freely, everyone feasts together. After the feast bards tell stories of love, lust, warriors… as they tell their tales the music changes from fast and lively jigs to slow steady drumming. It is at this point when some head home to enjoy the rest of The Hunt night.

The women dance about the bonfires as the tales are told, slow, seductive. The King of the hunt comes out. Dressing in leathers and furs, wearing the headdress of the stag. In some areas a steward plays this role, in some a designated man. Here it is Raven. It is a play of sort. Raven comes from nowhere dressed as the Hunt King. Brown leather pants, deer skin boots, and bracers, he wears no shirt, where others would paint designs onto their bodies he has no need, his dragon mark, dark, winding around his strong body. His hair loose and flowing, a single thin braid at his temple entwined with leather. The stag headdress of the Hunt King on his head. He stands in front of the bard as he weaves his tale.

Behind the women, the Queen emerges (me), the women part to allow the Queen to enter the dance. I’m dressed in furs to represent the hunted. A ragged short skirt of soft leather covered in fur, a shirt not much more than you may think a bra of the same soft leather. Deer skin boots to my knees, wrapped in rabbit furs match the bracers on my forearms. My hair is loose, tangled and wild, reaching my waist. I dance for Raven, slow, sexy, calling him, wild frenzied, begging him…his gold eyes glowing burning…the drumming grows louder, stronger, faster…Raven steps into the circle, the women all dance wildly around him. I join him in the center, running my hands over his body, teasing, and dancing. The other men join in the dancing. Raven reaches for me over and over and I jump from his grasp. And then all grows still and quiet. Raven lifts his horn and blows initiating The Hunt.

The women scatter, running through the forest. This night their are no lovers, no husbands or wives, only the hunters and hunted. It matters not by whom you are caught, for this night you are their prize. It is for this reason not all participate in the hunt. Of course I am trickier than the others, as I can change into beast to hide, ensuring it is only Raven who catches me. Oh but I do enjoy giving him a good run! I love the way he stalks me, I love to watch him. It is hard at times not to just stand there and let him find me. I’m on fire with need by the time he does!

Four days past since I spoke to Odin. I visited all of our new residents the next day, giving them the gift of our language. Amy as you know was adjusting well. Her sister Miranda was having a bit more trouble mostly due to worrying for her sister. I told her that she could visit her at anytime. I received notice that they spent the next day together and Miranda’s fears were put at ease. This brought me to send out messages reminding the new comers that they were not prisoners, this was now their home and they shared the same freedoms as everyone else.

Kevin was extremely excited to be here, he was a history teacher and living here and with Jims the teacher had him in total glee. He was funny to watch, excitedly telling me all he had learned and seen so far. Elizabeth was not doing as well as the others by far. She was still very determined to practice her “all powerful” witchcraft. I had to remind her that she did not have the ability to do so here, and must petition the court for a license. I also had to put her in place by telling her it was not her magic that brought her friends here but Kelsey’s. This she refused to believe. In my time with her I learned that she is vain in every way and felt herself above everyone, including me. Before leaving I advised Molan and Yona to keep a close eye on her and to send word of any suspect or foul doings from Elizabeth. The last I visited was Kelsey, she too was doing fine. She was immediately brought into the strong family hold of Fildra and her brood. I arranged for her to spend some time with Kevin and Jims so she may learn more about her family and herself.

Seed day came with warmth and sunshine as always! Seed day is when the first seeds are planted of the new year. The men and women work together all day planting. Some plant in their fields, some in gardens, some wander the land planting, some plant flowers, but everyone plants something. Through out the day Hiila visits each town and village…flowers bloom at her feet as she makes her way to give blessings to all that has been planted. This is something that was always done by my Mother and brings warmth to my soul to witness. After Hiila’s blessing all of the virgins and childless women gather. They make their way through their village or town, visiting each home, dressed in flowing gowns, wearing wreaths of lilac. Virgins (all of fifteen to sixteen blossoms) wear flowing gowns of white, this is their rite of passage to womanhood. The childless women wear flowing gowns in the palest yellow, a soft spring green or the lightest blue to represent sun, earth or sky. They all carry pitchers of water that they pour onto the newly planted seeds singing the Seed Day song as they do so and as they travel. It is very beautiful!

The seed day song goes like this:

Come to Mother little ones, reach out high and feel the sun, blessings do the Mother give, drink this nectar so you’ll live. I give to you this gift of life for every husband, every wife. Blessing do the Mother give so all her people long do live. Bountiful this seed will be, it is the Mother gift to thee. Come to Mother little ones, reach out high and feel the sun, blessings do the Mother give, drink this nectar so you’ll live.

The entire day is one of sun, joy, beauty and love. It is something one must see and take part in to truly appreciate. The evening is one of great celebration. The villages and towns are alive with music coming from all the homes. Everyone visiting, parties everywhere, and it is one of the very few times that fae celebrate with us. Seed Day is one time where you do not need wander into a garden or forest in search of fairy. While the fae of Goldenbrook, do not hide themselves, they have their own towns and villages. However Seed Day is a time when all of the kingdom come together.

We celebrated at Oakhaven as always, with most of the village in attendance.

Spring day is another day of celebration, but this time in the form of work. It is a time when women gather together to air out homes, clean, sew and chat. Men get together to prepare for planting and well, do whatever it is men do.

Raven, Ash and the other men went to Oakhaven for the day to help Father Oak. All of us women worked together on things side by side ,Royalty and servants alike. We threw out the old rushes and made new. We swept, dusted, mopped, and scrubbed. But the best part, we talked and gossip, sang and laughed. We took stock of the food stores and headed out to the village. The household help went to gather supplies. Emily, the children, and I visited Longcomb’s bakery. I must say Mrs.Longcomb makes the worlds best strawberry fluft! The children love it! Let me see if I can describe it, I really do not know how she makes it. It is like a pudding in a way but very fluffy, sweet and warm. She puts it on top of tiny warm buttery cake slices. It is truely decadent.

While at the bakery we ran into Amy and Jayce. She seemed to be adjusting quickly and it was obvious that any thoughts of Steven were long gone. I watched them as they came in. She was holding onto the crook of his arm and laughing. They ordered two treats. Jayce teased her into trying his and hand fed her a bite. There was a moment I thought maybe they would kiss. I watched the way Jayce’s eyes glazed over when Amy licked some sugar from her lip. Yes, I did well in pairing these two. We invited them to sit with us. They told us that Amy was adjusting well and picking up the language fast, she was having nightmares but nothing too serious. Amy admitted that she was missing her cell phone terribly, but what she missed most was a car. We had a few laughs discussing the differences between here and the home she knew.  She had not run into any of her friends yet, but I assured her she would come Seed day or The Hunt.

After enjoying some time with them we headed home. It was a very good day. After we got home I started wondering if there was a way I could ease the language barrier for the newcomers. For this I called on Odin.

“Well, now, if that is not something, saved by me own daughter” he said laughing as he entered the room… “Saved you did I?” I asked smiling… “Aye ya did, blasted wench had me cleaning, I have sheep to tend I told her, but she would not have it” he said sitting down with an umph. At this I laughed. “Well now I have work for you” I replied, watching him roll his eyes as I spoke. I then explained the problem to him. “You bothered me for this Lass, well I guess I’m glad of it, you did not need me for it, but we wont be telling Hiila that of course, I think this problem is gonna take the rest of the day to solve” he said with a wink. His golden hair was pulled to one side in a long braid, he was dressed only in a loose shirt and brown breeches, much like he would dress when we played in my childhood. So we sat together and shared some ale, we talked, really talked for the first time in a thousand years. I had missed him I realized now the anger was gone. In the end it was clear that I had the power to gift the new ones with the ability to speak and understand our language. “Dragon Goddess and Queen is not just a title my pet, it is who you are” Odin said when leaving.

After he left I headed to bed with plans to call on each newcomer the next day to give them my gift.

Coronation day is the beginning of First. It is (as my gift to the people), the only day there is no work done in the entire kingdom. All shops are closed, work in the farms and fields are put on hold. Even the castle staff has the day off.  It is day spent with family and friends. Visiting and making merry. They are no large celebrations to honor me, this day is to honor more than just myself, but the people and our land.

We spent the day as we would many a coronation day doing almost nothing. We had a new member of the family which everyone was excited about. Emily was the true child of Willow and Oak, therefore she did not bounce back as fast as I. She was up and about mind, but not much. It was also the first time Raven and I had a break in ages!

The morning was spent  sitting with Mother Willow while she was cooking a delicious breakfast, which became tradition. We had pork balls (think of your scrapple formed into balls and fried in a vat of pork grease), cheese, lemon tarts, sugar bread, strawberry porridge and hardboiled eggs. I should probably add that since I returned to Goldenbrook, I have introduced many new foods and recipes, though old habits die hard. I also snuck a trip over and brought back seeds for many types of fruits and vegetables we never had before.

The afternoon was spent with the children. Reading, playing dolls, singing, dancing, sword fighting and then napping. I let Iz, Neil and Hawk all pile into my bed for a nap with me, which I much needed!

After our nap the children and I visited Em and Keelin for a while. Raven then came to collect the children to play outside with him. I spent the rest of the afternoon reading. Even came and the entire family gathered for dinner. It was Ash, Nicky, Balzar, Sage, Emily, Hamish, Keelin, Isabella,Neil, Hawkins, Mother Willow, Father Oak, Odin, Hiila, Jack, Raven and myself. Mother had once again made a fantastic feast!

After we ate, Mother took the children and Raven and I went to our apartments. We spent the evening talking, wrapped in each others arms, where I eventually drifted off to sleep.

The next day was a frenzy of activities. We all spent the day running around. The day began with my household meeting. First celebrations were to start in two days. First is a two week celebration. It is a time when we celebrate the beginning of Spring, The coronation of the Queen (myself), the first planting and the first hunt. These are each celebrated in different ways, I will explain shortly. So I spent the morning and most of the afternoon going over menus, decorations, activities and so forth.

The afternoon brought time with Iz, Hawk and Neil as him, Mother Willow and Father Oak arrived for the celebrating. We all had dinner together early as I was getting tired. I retired to bed early, before Raven finished playing with the children. I do not know how long I slept before Raven woke me. Emily was about to give birth. I rushed from the room forgetting to change. I felt a push of power touch my back as Raven sent a clothing weave at me. Thinking back, I don’t know what he even put on me, I never looked.

I rushed into the room where they had taken Emily. They had the fires blazing, I was only in the room seconds before I began to feel sweat running down my back. Emily lay on the bed with her knees drawn up. Mora was there checking the progress of the babe. Two other maids were in the room as well as Mother Willow who sat on the side of the bed holding Em’s hand and humming. “Not long child, tis a wee babe and ready” Mora announced. I took the spot on the bed opposite Mother and wiped Em’s brow with a damp cloth. A maid came in carrying a steaming mug, a mixture to ease Em’s pain. Emily was so strong through it all, much more than me. Seeing it all brought forth a feeling of dread about my upcoming childbed. Mora was right of course and it did not take Emily long to have the child. A few short hours, she was born, before dawn even. A tiny baby girl, with red hair and green eyes, pink cheeks and a tiny pink mouth. She has Hamish’s coloring with a tiny Emily’s face…her name is Keelin,meaning fair one.

I was so happy for Em and Hamish both. Mother cried as she held her new grandchild. I however could not stay awake anymore. I told Em that Raven and I would give a blessing the next day. I then went to bed and slept, and slept and slept some more. I slept until the following afternoon. I got up only long enough to go with Raven to bless Keelin, then back to bed.

The next day was the beginning of First.

After all was said and done Elizabeth, Amy, Kevin and Miranda had decided to stay. I sent orders for those who decided to leave Steven,Virginia and Jackie, to be placed in a chamber together and made comfortable. Those who were staying had all been safely taken to the homes they would now reside. I visited Kelsey’s chamber next.

The room was nice, the wood walls well polished, fresh rush matts scented the air with herbs. A fire was burning, all in all the room was very cozy. Kelsey rose from the bed as I entered. “Please remain comfortable, I would just like a few words with you, please sit” I said with a smile,which she returned. I sat in the wood chair next to the fire. “I would know you thoughts, what has you torn?” I asked. I could see flashes go through her mind, the marines, her parents deaths, her apartment, her dog, the military some more…she was due to leave again, the military was all she had left, she felt bonded to it, but then I saw it, the name Mcnevil, I was her many great grandmother.

“Your Highness, I just do not know if I can ever really fit in here, no offense this place is pretty cool but” she said quietly. I knew however that she longed to stay in one place. She was in awe of the family bonds we had, the kinship between all people of the land, and so I said…”Kelsey, you are strong, I could use someone like you around here. I admire your sense of duty and loyalty, those are attributes this land is built on. Kelsey, how much do you know about your family?” I asked…”My family?” she questioned…”Your ancestors” I answered…”I guess I know some, I did a family tree on the computer, goes back a few hundred years” she replied…”Good, do You know who George McNevil was?” I asked…”No but I know the McNevil name, it was my Father’s Mother’s name” she said…”Kelsey it was not Elizabeth’s witchcraft that brought you all here, it was you” I told her…she paled again…” I’m not a witch” she said…”No, no you are not, let me ask you this, do you know who Chandler McNevil was?” I returned….”Yep, I do know that name, my Grammy, she had a painting of him, he was like her great grand dad or something, they always said she looked just like him” Kelsey said….

I sat for a second, a ton of emotions rolling within, a felt myself tear up a second at the memory of Chandler, his daughters Marie, Mary and Maggie. “I’m sure she did, and you Kelsey, you look just like her” I said softly taking her hand…”Are you in my head again?” she asked…”No, There is not a way at this time to make you believe what I am about to say, but please listen to me carefully before you decide to stay or leave” I answered..she nodded her head in agreement.

“Chandler’s mother was Avantia, please remember that name. I knew Chandler extremely well, yes I am that old, much older actually, you are meant to be here, your family is of this land. I know you have learned some of the history of this land. The Princess Avantia was Chandler’s mother” I said watching her try to understand what I was saying. “But, thats you, you are the, were the, I mean, you can’t be, you are my…”she tumbled over her words looking at me with awe. “Yes, Kelsey, please know these things are true, they are written, Lord Nicholas has been working on scribing it all, please feel free to speak with him. We will summons you for your decision before the evening meal” I said rising to leave the room. I walked to the door and turned to look at her one more time. Yes, I could see some of Chandler there, yet she was darker, her hair curly where his was not, but the eyes were the same, the mouth. “It was an honor to have met you Kelsey” I said as I left…she just sat there dumbfounded.

I told Raven and Odin what I had learned of Kelsey. It made sense that she had stumbled on this land. As time for her decision approached I was terrified. Memories of George and our children burning in my mind. My heart ached with fear. If she choose to leave her fate was death. However my fears were rested as she joined us in the throne room and told us of her decision to stay. We had her taken to stay with Fildra our head house maid, who ran things like a captain, she also had five handsome sons and two tomboy daughters, I felt Kelsey would be much at home there.