It's All About the Chase

"Get down from there."

I shake my head defiantly towards the figure below, and reach up for another branch within my willow tree I envisioned only yesterday. "I don't think so." The glorious part about not physically being in this realm is that I can do things I normally can't. Grasping a branch I haul myself up with ease as Taran climbs onto the lowest branch, looking up at me all ready climbing higher into the tree.

"Your going to run out of branches sooner or later," he comments the obvious. The down fall of my willow tree is it's not as tall as the variety of tree life surrounding it. He stays squatting on the lowest branch with a frown. "Am I going to have to climb up to get you?"

Reaching the highest branch that I could without it breaking, I straddle it peering down through the maze of branches and leaves with a smile. "Your going to have to since I'm not going to focus on meditating on the wedding like I'm suppose to."

Taran returns to the ground without effort. Crossing his arms and resting his chin on top of them, he places them on the limb he was just on, staring upwards. "Just come down."

Feeling high and mighty, I shrug off his statement. "I don't want to."

He does a mixture of a groan and a sigh, burying his face into his arms. "You are just as difficult as before."

Curious to hear the comment on my first lifetime, I couldn't help but ask. "Was I?"

Hearing my question, he lifts his head again. "Yes. You were just more..." he strays off trying to find the right phrase. "...elegant with your words."

That would make sense. My first life involved lots of proper behavior, however, I do know I did not let any of that bound me also knew that my temper was fiercer than it is now. "How about this?" I start catching his attention. "You tell me something about my past that I don't know in order to make up for not focusing on my sister-in-law's wedding."

Taran considers my offer for a moment before agreeing. But despite the agreement, he remains silent. His face scrunch up in hard thought. I honestly didn't think that he would have a hard time thinking up something from our past to reveal. Finally he spoke with frustration laced in his tone. "I don't know. You liked to climb trees?"

I sent him a skeptical look. "I all ready knew that, after all, look where I am now." Shifting a little bit, I start swinging my legs that hover over nothing. "Honestly you can't think of anything?" I mule over the little past I knew between the two of us. "How about a favorite place we would go?"

If possible his face expresses him going deeper into thought.

"We did have one... right?" Doesn't every couple have one? Movies and books always have a special place that couples had, people spoke of stories, wouldn't it be natural? I try recalling myself. A lot of my memories with Taran are in my castle as a setting, however there was one other...

"That rock formation..." I start and Taran looks up.

"From your past memory?" He question wanting clarification. I nod but he shakes his head. "That's from your second life."

"That explains the curls I see."

"Oh yeah." he comments under his breath, a tone of remembrance.

I think again before another scene flickers in my mind. The meadow within the forest. 'How Twilight that sounds...' I couldn't help but think. However, this place was far more beautiful. "The meadow..."

Taran instantly nods at my suggestion. "Yes, that was definitely the place. That's why it was the first scenery you thought when you began seeing us, why this is the scenery of your soul chamber."

Unconsciously I nod to his explanation, still swinging my legs. That made a lot of sense, not quite sure why that place was so special yet. But eventually I'm sure I would learn by the end of the summer if everything goes as planned.

"Are you coming down now?"

In response I lay down along the branch. "I said I would, just not when." He growls in slight frustration, making me smile. "You don't like climbing tress do you?"

He begrudgingly answers. "No.

"Aw, your so much like a dog." I couldn't help tease, I hardly ever in a position to exercise this power. Despite my tease I slowly made my way down towards the ground. I watch him straighten his posture, no longer leaning against the branch with crossed arms. Finally I reach the branch I began with, I sit down with my legs hanging over the edge not making another further method to touch the ground. Taran moves to stand in front of me, his muscled arms planted on either side me on the bark.

I cock a brow, silently indicating what he was going to do now.

"Why are you always difficult?"

I stare at him. "Seriously? Why are you always difficult?"

We batter back and forth until I get fed up with it. I move to reach up for the branch above to retreat back into the leaves however I'm not quick enough. He grabs a hold of my waist and yanks me down and away from the tree entirely. With a small scream I wrap my arms around the closest thing, which happens to be his neck as he holds me in his arms all ready retreating outside the veil of leaves from the willow.

"What are you doing!?" I snap but in complete surprise. "What if I hit the tree or gotten hurt because you yanked me down? Just like how I got a bloody nose that one you hit me on the head?"

He shrugs nonchalantly. "I would apologize for hurting you."

I would have yelled at him a little more, however, I remember our position. Feeling the sudden urgency to remove myself from his arms before a certain predicament occurs, I start to struggle in his arms. As if he had read his mind, I didn't struggle for long feeling him reach behind my head to hold it as he moved his nose into my hair and inhaled deeply. Reflexively my nails dig into his skin and I curl inwards towards myself with a some whimper. Physically or not, I hate when he does that.

"Your such a dog!" I huff out after the onslaught is finished. I find myself being placed on a smooth, large rock as he lowers himself to the ground. I can't help but think how natural he looks being in nature. His clothes are far from nice but still suit him despite all of that.

He doesn't comment at my insult/truth but takes my hand. He lifts my hand up turning it so my palm is facing upwards. He leans forward and kisses lightly the palm of my hand, his golden eyes staring straight at me. Except his eyes are focused, intense just like a predator focused on its prey. I could feel my heart skip and my cheeks flush slightly at the look. Instantly I get to my feet and try walking a way a little but his grip tightens preventing me from walking to far. "You know you can't resist me," he comments. I'm alittle more aware of just how deep his voice is naturally.

"Yes I can," I refute instantly ignore my flushed cheeks and hold my head a little higher in a challenge.

He grins but it's wolfish just revealing how non-human he is. "Yes. You can throw all things you want at me, or yell at me but in the end you always give up."

"And if I keep resisting?" I challenge further as if my pride is being threatened.

"It's all about the chase babe."

The Swing On The Top of the Hill

There is a swing on the top of a hill.

The tree is full of lush apple green leaves, and the bark is faded out brown, almost white. Hanging on the lowest branch was a pair of ropes and at the ends they were tied to a flat, worn wooden plank. I move to sit on the swing holding onto the ropes with each hand, feeling the rough texture. I dig my toes into the soft grass beneath and look out at the scenery, taking in the familiarity.

I've been here before.

My preteen self hold onto the ropes tighter feeling the swing push forward and could feel Gaerwn's presence behind me. His feet are planted firmly on the wooden plank on either side of me, his hands gripping the ropes as well but much higher and tower over me slightly.  "Why are you always alone?"

I glare up at my older brother. "I am not always alone."

"Yes, you are."

"No, Carwyn is always with me!" I argue back wanting him to get off my swing. He was going to get mud on my white dress.

Gaerwn's eyebrow rose. "I don't see him now."

This time I remain silent and glance to the ground, my toes barely brushing against the grass blades on the ground. Lately Carwyn has been away from her side, busy with his studies with the teacher leaving me with nothing to do. I don't have any friends, but I don't need any. I only need my siblings, I only need Carwyn.

I hear a sigh and the swing jerks again. Gaerwn steps off the swing and he walks around until he is standing in front of me. His golden hair is getting longer. Finally long enough to pull the locks into a low pong tail against the nap of his neck. "You know mom and dad are worried about you."

This time I duck my head, avoiding Gaerwn's sharp cerulean gaze. I could feel some shame and guilt fill in my chest. I would never want my parents to worry especially mother. I hear another sigh and feel Gaerwn's arms wrap around my shoulders. He kisses my forehead before pulling me closer to rest my head against his chest.

I stand and start walking down the hill towards the forest the lingers at the bottom. Before I get to far, I pause and glance over my shoulder to gaze at the swing. I could my younger self from another lifetime sitting there with Gaerwn. In the mythology, my first life self was described as an icy queen but after remembering this I wonder if there really is some truth to it.

I reach the edge of the forest knowing I have to enter it to find Azrael. However this time, no running. Before I begin my venture in, I pause at a willow tree that marked the trail that led into the forest. Slowly I step towards the tree, lifting a hand and pull away a curtain of leaves to enter the little bubble space that the tree created with its long, dipping branches.

As if on instinct I walk towards the trunk and begin climbing onto one of the thick branches that would hold my weight and the closest one to the ground. The textured bark feels good underneath my fingers and palms of my hands. I always love climbing trees, I wish there were more great, old trees to climb and rest in in the reality. Finally securely on a branch, I lay along it my body molding with it in order to keep balance, my eyes focused on the tips of the branches that sprouted at the end of the one I was laying on. Until I see Azrael land on the same branch, crouching.

The branch doesn't even bend or creak under his weight. Everything about his was the same even the wings in which I end up staring at again. He gives a curious look, and I shake my head as I pull myself up into a sitting position. "Your wings are distracting..." Azrael smiles but doesn't comment.

He cocks his head, dark eyes glancing around the willow tree in wonder before he met my eyes again. "Why a willow tree?"

Out of second nature I shrug but I do take time to dwell on his question. Lifting my gaze I take in all the numerous branches above me, all the leaves keeping most of the sunlight out and creating shade. "I've always liked willow trees. They always feel protective with their dipping branches, keeping everything out."

I lower my gaze, and I see an approving grin. "You aren't going to tell me anything."

"No," he answers with a shake of his head.

"Because I'm suppose to figure everything myself."

"Correct, I'm only here to guide."

I stare at him long before something clicks in my mind. "I need to find my soul, I need to find my first life and remember everything before I go to Wales."

The smile gives away his answer before he even speaks. I aimed, fired and hit a bull's eye. He can't tell me anything because there is nothing for him to tell. Where I find him is probably where my soul is located, where ever that may be. But this only leads to more confusing questions; why do I need to remember everything before I go to Wales? Why did he come to help reveal all this instead of someone else? Why is this so important? I want to ask all these question but I all ready know he won't answer any of them.

"I knew you were a smart girl," he compliments but I raise my eyebrows.

"Girl?"

He laughs lightly. "I'm sorry, smart young woman."

I silently accept his correction. "You'll guide me through different memories until I remember everything," I concluded out loud and he nods, agreeing.

I can all ready see where the next memory is to take place in the back of my mind. A castle with a celebration going on. Tieve's wedding day.

Because I Don't Tell You Enough

Lately I've been reminded how incredibly lucky I am to have Taran.

Despite his arrogant, vulgar, and rough personality he knows how to handle to me when I need him. Knowing every night, no matter what, he will urge me to come to him with open arms and I am just engulfed with his warmth as I slip into the dream world.

I know that you are not suppose to use the phrase 'thank you' to faeries but thank you Taran for choosing me. Thank you for finding me lifetime after lifetime knowing that there is the possibility that I won't come in contact with you. Thank you for always staying by my side even through the toughest times. Thank you for loving me the way you do. I never say this enough but I love you and I appreciate everything you do.

Catch Me If You Can

I'm standing in darkness.

"Are you here?" I call out into the darkness unsure if I'll get a response.

Surprisingly I do. "Yes." His voice is light, gentle and smooth. Almost like the flow of water or the sound of a bell being lightly tapped.

"Can I see you?" He response with another yes and almost instantly features start appearing. Short, neat black locks covers the top of his head, bangs swept side ways stopping right above his dark, sapphire blue eyes, and long side burns brush against his defined jawline, framing his face. He stands at least a foot taller than me, my neck craning slightly to peer up at him. His outfit consist of a dark green t-shirt overlapping a long black sleeve, his hands slipped into his slightly baggy jeans. A gentle smile tugged at his lips, his eyes twinkling. But what surprised me most of all was his large, feathery white wings behind him.

I've never seen anyone's wings before.

He tilts his head ever so slightly, curious. "I've never seen anyone's wings before, not even Michael's..." I felt like I had to explain myself, the words coming out before I could think. "I was just surprised."

Azrael's smile widened. "If they bother you..." He didn't even finish the sentence. Slipping a hand out of his pocket and a small flick of his wrist, they magnificent wings were gone. He stepped closer towards me until he was right in front of me, my neck craning a little more.

"Did you come to me in my dream?"

"I did." He gave a small nod of his head.

Recalling my conversation with my friend in the morning, emotion leaped in my chest. "You aren't here for my grandmother, are you?"

He reached out, his fingers barely brushing across my cheek. "No, but I'm afraid I will have come back to you when that time comes." He all ready knows my tight attachment to my grandmother. I can see it in his eyes; the swirl of sad knowing that it'll be a hard experience for me to endure. 

Ignoring what I just saw, I felt relief ebb in relaxing my muscles that I had unawarely tightened. "Then... It's about the war, isn't it?"

"Yes."

I sighed. "I figured as much..."

Azrael raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"Well, I wasn't certain. But it was a thought did pass my mind, one out of many that is."

All of a sudden his wings appeared again and his feet left the ground. The darkness faded into a forest scenery under the starry sky. He glided thought air effortlessly. Still facing towards me, he held out both of his hands if he wanted me to take them and glided away from me. "Come and find me."

Instantly I reached out a hand to grasp one of his, my feet moving into a run as he slowly disappeared before me eyes into the forest. I was not nearly fast enough to catch him. "Wait, am I going to have to find you like in my dream?" I called out.

I could hear his voice as if he stood next to me. "Yes."

"If I find you then you'll tell me what I need to know?"

"Yes."

I kept running, feeling my chest heave. My eyes searched past the trees for any sign of the whiteness of his wings. But there was nothing but endless tree stumps.

I wanted him to keep talking to me. I wanted to find him, I wanted to know what was going on. recalling a specific detail in my dream, I decided to ask knowing he would heear me. "Does it have to do with when I go to Wales? Are you supposed to help me with something related to that?"

"Yes."

My running came to a complete stop when my foot snagged something And I went crashing down into the ground feeling damp mud and grass burn against my skin. Slowly get up and lean against a large rock feeling achy. I examined my elbow streaked with mud and grass stains. The urge to cry started to build up, tightening my chest. I inhale shaky, lifting my head up to see Azrael gently dropping down onto a old, fallen over log.

Slowly I approach him cradling my elbow. When I near, he squats down in order to be eye length with me. His wings are gone again. He reaches out a hand again, brushing his fingers on my cheek.

"Your soul cries."

I blinked, ignoring feeling my eyes stinging with the want to cry and trying to understand what he had just said to me. It was... Unexpected.

Holding my gaze, he asked quietly. "What are you afraid of?"

I glance away from his eyes, thoughts of what terrify me instantly coming to mind. Lifting my eyes to meet his gaze, the words just escaped my mouth. "I worry about my best friend, I want her to stay safe." Azrael's lips twitch back into a small smile, knowing exactly who I was talking about.

"I'm sure she'll be just fine."

"I know... But worrying is natural when we're apart." I paused before continuing my list. "I'm afraid of what is to come with the war. I'm afraid for my family, both my physical family and my family from my first life. I'm afraid of death."

I watch him give another smile, one of understanding.

With a deep breath I add one more. "I'm afraid of losing Taran." Finally one tear managed to escape and slide down. I could recall the conversation that I had with Taran; admitting my fear of losing him  and how I could hardly grasp what to do with him gone, admitting that I would never understand how he felt when he's endured three lives of myself being murdered or dying in accidental deaths. Hearing  him explaining that he can't promise that he won't get hurt but promise that he'll keep living and wishing dearly that I won't ever have to go through the experience of losing him like he did when he lost me.

Azrael brushed his thumb to wipe away the tear. "Do you feel better?"

My chest did feel a little lighter, but there was still a slight ache. I gave a small nod, "Alittle."

He gave an encouraging smile before standing up again. "I'll come into your dream again tonight, but you still have to come find me." And with that he disappeared again.

On the Flight

Deafening sound reverberated through the air making the earth shake, trees moaned and creaked under air pressure with each beat of the wings. I crouched down feeling my whole body vibrate from both the sound and air pressure as the large beast flew over the tree tops. I peer up at the sky just seeing the scaly tail disappear from my sight.

I take off running down the hill, my chest heaving from adrenaline and slight fear. How does one fight a dragon? Random people rush past me form, retreating in the direction I come from as I go towards the chaos. Ahead at the bottom of the hill, a three story white building is being consumed by fire, a pale dry green dragon with a white underside flying above the house, fire spitting from it's wide carniverous jaws. Finishing it's fire breath, and a strong beat of its wings the dragon took off back into the grey sky.

Nothing could be done about the burning building, I took off again in the direction the dragon was headed. Ahead I could see two companions of mine doing the exact same thing I was, tracking down the dragon. "Eochaidh!" I called out. The tallest of the two paused, peering over his shoulder to see that I was heading in his direction before starting his run again. I managed to catch up, and head the dragon swooped by through the pine trees. It was nearly impossible to keep up with this angry creature.

 

Meeting Fiona

Though this is not a dream, I met one of my ancestors who was gifted in the "sight" (second sight some call it). I few days ago I bought a book called Celtic Visions: Seership, Omens, and Dreams of the Otherworld by Caitlin Matthew and there is a section to call upon an ancestor to guide anyone seeking help with "sight." So I decided to call to them and see who would answer.



Inhaling deeply the cool, fresh air I stared out into the scenery. Standing upon a hill, underneath a single tree with lush, new green leaves sprouting from the branches. Down below in the valley is nothing but green meadows, small lumps of land raising from the earth and a curvy strip carving through the land as a river. Further in the distant are the mountains stretching towards the paling sky; soft pinks mixing with pastels blues indicating the arrival of twilight. A breeze picks up, rustling the tree leaves and long blades of grass. I dig my toes into the soft grass, enjoying the smells that the wind brings. Familiar with my surroundings, I called out in a clear voice who I am. My name escapes my lips, and requesting for one of my ancestors to answer my call to help guide me in the correct path of seership.

I stand there a moment, listening before everything goes black. I'm standing in darkness but I know someone is here with me. "You called me?"

I turn my head, straining to listen trying to figure out if the voice who answered was male of female. "Yes, I did. Are you one of my ancestors?"

"Yes I am."

Female. The voice is definitely a female voice. I stare into the darkness trying to figure out if she is actually standing there in front of me, or merely a presence surrounding me. "Are you standing before me?"

"I am." The moment she answered I could see her more clearly, her figure standing there amongst the darkness but none of the darkness touched her. She stood tall, her shoulders pulled back holding herself with pride. She stepped in long, graceful strides in a path that circled me. I tried observing her in interested as she obviously did in return.

Her locks were a dark brown, stopping at her collar bones and curling inwards. A weaving, silver circlet with a green, circle gem in the very center pushed back her bangs, keeping them out of her face and revealing her forehead. Silver earnings hung from her ears, shimmering in the darkness with a matching necklace hanging in between where her collar bones, a clear green teardrop shaped stone hanging from the silver chain.

"What is your name?" I questioned feeling my growing frustrated that she keeps circling me reminding me the time I met Carwyn.

"Fiona," she answered back in a smooth voice, her gaze examining every part of me.

"Would it be rude of me to ask you to stop moving?" I bit back any annoyance I had, I didn't want to be rude to my possible teacher, let alone my ancestor.

Fiona paused in front of me, her eyes finding mine. Moss green filled my gaze. "Not at all." She stood still, still holding herself with much pride as I took in the rest of her appearance feeling my annoyance quickly fade away. A moss green dress hugged her slender figure, the hems embroidered with elegant silver designs, and a brown, leather belt clinging to her waist. A lighter shade of moss green and matching silver embroidered at the hems cloak covered her shoulders dragging along the ground.

I related how I saw her in my eyes, and she nodded her head approvingly.  "You're not bad, but you are still very weak."

I nodded my head in agreement. "I know, there is much that I have to learn."

Fiona motioned me to follow her with her hand, "Come, let us walk." She began her long strides, darkness fading away into a grassy, forest path and I hastily followed, trying to catch up with her head start.

Shyly, I inquired if she was physical (as physically as she could get) near my body or was I meeting her only in the specific mental place. "No, I can only meet you in this plane. But this is all that is necessary." 

Another question escaped my throat before I realized I was asking, my curiosity peaking. "Are you an ancestor from my incarnate's bloodline?"

Lips twitched into a smile. "Yes, I am. However, all Celts' ancestry goes back to Danu." That made sense in my mind and I found myself nodding to her brief explanation. "Now for your practices. For twenty minutes everyday I want you to see someone, one of your fae will do, and focus on their appearance the whole time. Interact with them while holding a strong, steady sight on them. This is what I want you to do in the mean time."

"All right. When should I meet you again?"

Her eyes turn upwards towards the sky for a moment before turning back down. "Once every week is fine."

"Every week? How about every week Thursday?" I inquired and I got a nod of agreement. With this agreement, a student teacher bond had been created.

The Creature

This dream was not quite a nightmare, but it was not a pleasant one either.

I watched from afar, present but not present at the same time, as the thick black smog weaved through the air as if a fish swimming through water. It twisted towards the nearest male; lean but muscular body with short, dark hair and even tanned skin. He walked with a small group of his friend until the smog struck him from the back, knocking him down and being absorbed into his body. 

He lifted himself up slightly with one arm, and turned his head in my direction. I watch as his face deformed into this hideous creature. His eyes disappeared into black voids that grew far too large for his face. No color was shown in the eyes, no pupils just black. His face thinned out until it was bony and his mouth became a similar black void. Just a hideous, frozen face before the face morphed back into the original features. The smog continued through his friends that tried escaping, possessing them, and controlling them to its will.

Suddenly I’m in a dormitory room knowing that these now possessed males were out in the same halls. My enemy or rival, a blond woman with curly hair, was within the room threatening to kill me as normal. But I warned her we had to work together for what was to come or else we would die, and she wouldn’t see Henry, a young child that she held dear to.

The door started to shake. The creature knew we were inside the room, I just knew that it knew. I could feel my heart beat increase but felt no true fear. Suddenly it was like reality was warped into having another realm or world overlapping it. There were strands of gold that would flicker through my vision. Things would become unfocused and focused, the males themselves would become focused and unfocused.

It shifted, the world was just one again and the colors of gold disappeared. The first possessed male was in front of me, his back towards me as he faced the blonde woman. He had no shirt and his body was covered with lacerations, blood seeping out through them. The blonde yelled at me, “Finish him!”

I glanced to my right hand. My fingers were wrapped tightly around a dagger. Peering back up, I knew this creature had to die.  Aiming, I jabbed the knife all the way into the body right down to the hilt, along the dip of muscle to indicate where the spine was, and pulled down a few inches before pulling out the dagger. Blood dripped from the body, unnaturally slow instead of pouring out of the serious wound.

Slowly the head turned towards my direction as if unaffected by what attack. The eyes were dark, black amongst the white of the eyes. Seeing the exposed neck, I threw a slash slicing the thin flesh. Finally he went down, blood gushing from the neck wound. The black smog exited out the body and the other males retreated for now.