Fallon set herself in between the two pyres as the remainder of the clans gathered in a circle around. She lifted her arms and waited patiently until all fell silent.

"Let the fires be kindled." Fallon pushed the cloak from her, and the garment crumpled to the ground revealing Fallon's body in its most natural state--unclad.

Stretching her arms skyward Fallon gave praise, offering homage to the fertility spirits. With a reverberating boom, smoke went up, a crackling, a spark, and the kindling burst into flames proclaiming victory of the light season over dark. The villagers rejoiced loudly with hearkened rapture and Kane stood amongst them, though he was very still.

Despite the merriment around him, all sound was null to his ears as his gaze became fixated on Fallon.

He was seized to the core.

Kane saw not the druid giving adulation and beseeching the gods. He saw not the healer who was revered by the peoples in the clans.

What he saw was Fallon, beautiful and womanly in her naked presence and he worshipped her body with his thoughts and his eyes.

It was sinful such musing when all around were thinking only of the blessings they sought. But Kane cared not, his lust surging, his desire for Fallon crying out.

And then it occurred to him.

What man, mortal or other, could refuse to look upon such a breathtaking woman without being racked with a libidinous thirst?

His thoughts were confirmed, for as Kane scanned the area about him, he found that most men present attended to Fallon with lustful grins and leering eyes.

A growl formed low in his throat, more intimidating than the wolves that howled from the forests beyond. He glared at each and every man until they caught his angry gazed and lowered their eyes away from Fallon.

"Nine woods we give ye," Fallon shouted and reached for the basket at her feet, picking it up. "Ta the god, we give oak. Bring the wholesome rains down upon the grounds and nosh our seed. Birch fer the goddess, bless us with bright days and growth aplenty."

Removing several token twigs from the basket, Fallon began tossing them into each of the tow Bealtuinn fires.

"We give fir fer healthy births," she continued, tossing more branches. "Willow ta celebrate death, rowan ta dissuade the evil magic and apple..."

Fallon hesitated and then gulped an ever so discreet swallow that Kane did not miss. Something happened in his chest--an ache--as she faltered over her words.

"...apple fer love," Fallon's gaze darted to where Kane stood, but she failed to meet his eyes.

"Aye!" several of the villagers answered at once.

"Better short and sweet, than long and lax!" someone called out, drawing hoots of laughter from the crowd.

Fallon ingnored their jesting and instead persisted with her invocations. "We give ye grapevine ta bring joy, hazel for wisdom, and whitethorn ta celebrate the purity of the season. May the flames bring us ripe harvest and fruits aplenty! May the fires bring streams of fish, forests of hardy woods."

"Clean water!" one of the villagers yelled.

"Ornaments of silver and gold!" another added.

"Oh gods!" a male cried loudly. "We do no' ask ye ta give us wealth, but show us where 'tis!"

"Aye," another said. "And even the deaf man will hear the clink of coinage!"

Several of the villagers laughed and then nodded their agreement along with cohesive murmurs.

Stepping from the center of the tow pyres, Fallon moved to the side.

"Eadar theine Bhealltuinn," Amidst the Bealtuinn fires, she said and summoned the livestock.

The farmers hooted, thwacking the animals' hindquarters, driving them forth. The cattle were rushed up the hill bellowing their protests and urged between the sacred flames.

It was the ritual of blessing to drive scourge fromt he beasts and ensure their fertility for the mating season.

The incense were lit, and then Fallon began dancing around the flames as the fragrance of jasmine and sandalwood, rose petal and frankincense filled the air, permeating and blending with the smokes from the fires.

And all inhaled the pleasant aromas.

"Free us from invasions! Fallon prayed. "Bring ease ta ev'ry home."

Round and round the flames she stepped, her hair fluttering to and fro as she twirled and weaved about the Bealtuinn fires, weaved about the onlookers.

All watched her, and Kane relented, seeing it was hopeless that the men could restrain their interest in her. Fallon danced the steps of the season that would bring blessings to all, and all desired to witness this great event.

Pushing aside covetousness of Fallon, Kane explored the activity around him. He smiled as he caught Nevin fondling and kissing his wife.

So much for the neighbor's woman.

Suddenly feeling lonely, Kane cast a glance beyond the gathering, staring into the darkness beyond. It was then that he spied the figure sitting upon a rock a short distance outside of the circle.

Shielding his eyes from the glare of the blaze, Kane narrowed his gaze as he attempted to get a clearer glimpse.

The Bryan. There was no mistake about it.

As if sensing the attention upon him, the faerie-man turned his head toward him, and Kane went rigid at the sight of The Bryan's faerie eyes.

They glowed--ethereal--like two round moons, reflecting the fires of the ritual and lighting the arrogant smile on his faerie lips.

And then, The Bryan turned his eyes back to Fallon, uncaring of the warning rage in Kane's facade.

"Gods of the flame we beseech ye," Fallon cried out.

Kane started.

The Bryan rose and was moving. His pace was slow, purposeful, as he staked in arc around the perimeter of the gathering.

"Guide our bondin' with nature," Fallon chanted as she twirled around, unaware of the male aggression befalling outside of the throng. "Bring forth the nurturin' spirits of fertility and future."

Kane's eyes riveted to the fae whose interst fell directly on Fallon. Every nerve in  his flesh rippled with anger and worry as he treaded swiftly toward the immortal. The Bryan paid no heed to Kane, disregarding his advance as if he wer just a mere nuisance to be dealt with later.

The drum beat louder. Voices rose higher as the clans sang out their parises. All seemed ignorant of the faerie in their midst, save Kane.

"Give unta us the blessin' of the blossoms and the gift of creatures here in these lands ta bear offspring," Fallon beseeched.

The Bryan picked up his pace, changing direction and moving directly toward Fallon.

Kane began to run...

Published with the permission of the author. Copyright 2005 Angel Lynn