Lycans and Druids and Fae

My family provides a wonderful feast, again. Claudia actually let me cook my chili last night, because I pestered her to let me do something. It has to simmer for at least 8 hours. My mom always made some before going to bed on Friday so that we had something to heat and eat on the weekend. I had equated chili with having fun.

Dinner was served. Cake had been distributed. Music and dancing is occurring all over the empty corn field. The party is in full swing.

The Lycan committee approaches the head table, where Edward and I are seated with Keith and Claudia on his side, Blaire and Andrew on mine.

"As you complete the binding of your lives this day, we wish to give you our blessing, from your family first blessed by the Goddess." The largest of the Lycans pulls out necklaces for Edward and myself in stainless steel. Two wolf faces, that when put forehead to forehead, form a heart between them. "Long life is the benefit of a Lycan. Sharing it with your soul's mate is a blessing. We are lucky to have found you, a piece of our family and a new soul attached to ours."

"It would seem that my Mate has lost his manners." A woman with raven hair and ice blue eyes steps forward. Her aqualine nose gives her a haughty air, even as her dimpled smile is welcoming. "I am Catarina Marielena Zamfir Primullupa. My mate is Tiberius Boian Primullupa. Your spirit called out to us 16 years ago. She was muted, as if she was in hiding for a time. In this past month, she has become awakened, loud and proud. We welcome your spirit, Tia. We have been looking for you."

"New spirits are rare, but we understand that your circumstances are..... remarkable. Should Tia lose you as a host, she is welcome to join anyone in our families."

"Lycan spirits must hear that they are welcome to a family before the death of a human host. That way, they know that they will can safely transfer to another." Catarina doesn't speak down to us. She calmly explains, for which I am grateful, being new to ... well.... all of it!

'They know we are new to the werewolf world and weren't really trained in any of it before we met Edward and our pack.' Tia is absolutely preening. 'They think I'm pretty!' I can practically hear her ego inflate.

'We are very pretty, and strong and lucky to have Edward and Cain in our life.' I remind her that we are linked to each other and reality. 'I'm glad our new family members recognize your beauty.'

"We thank you for your gifts." Edward puts mine on me before putting on the one for himself. "It is wonderful to see some of the blessed family that holds the origins of my beautiful, accomplished mate. She is my second chance and she has introduced me to very powerful people. I am truly blessed." 'You and Tia are truly brilliant.'

The Lycans seemed satisfied with our response and I felt welcomed into their fold, if anyone could feel welcomed into the mafia of the werewolf world. I had heard stories of jealousy and conflict which would make a TV reality show cringe.

I hear violins and flutes and drums from the other side of the gathering. The eldest of the Druid family leads the musicians to where the Lycans just vacated. Their gait was more of a dance in time with the music. I was somewhat surprised that some of the men, with beer guts on them - no other explanation - could step, and skip, in time with such a lively tune.

"We thank you for inviting your father's family to your wedding celebration. We extend our blessings to your union, destined by Fate and by the Gods, I hear," a scattered chuckling rumbles through the gathering.

"My name is Senan Douglas Gilhoughley. As I've said, I am the eldest of the Gilhoughley brethren. Seamas, the youngest, was your father and the seventh of our generation." A sadness crosses his face quickly, gone in mere seconds. "Our family has something for you both as well," he brings forth a ring box with two dull rings in it. "They are iron, cast over an oak fire and blessed by each of us. Should anything happen to either of you, we will be alerted and come to your aid, as a family should."

"These are lovely," I say as he puts the ring box on the table.

"They will transform with you to an earring when you transform to wolf form. We had to adjust the magic a bit, but family allows for adaptation, doesn't it?"

"Thank you so much. I welcome this new connection to family." I am truly moved by this gift. I know that iron is magical in the Celtic community. Fire and wood heat the metal and air and water are used to cool it. All the elements are represented in the making of the ring and etched on the ring itself. The rings are in the shape of the Clauddagh, two hands holding a heart with a crown of fire.

I place the ring on Edwards' left forefinger. It shifts to fit him. He places the other ring on me and it does the same for me. These mages are powerful. I wonder at that time whether or not I inherited any of that magic. That would explain why people would hunt for me. Magic and Lycan in one being, my blood would be powerful.

Councillor Woodvine and Councillor Greengrass led a small party from the table of the Fae. They bowed to the Druids as they passed and the Druids bowed in return. Their formality belies the laughter and frivolity I have seen all day in the families present.

"As you know, we of the Fae are very long-leeved. I, myself, am over five 'undred years old." Rosebloom Greengrass smiles at me. "My mate zeys I don't look a day over 50," a smattering of chuckling. "You are half Lycan and half Druid. You have given your blood to ze Council Table of Living Wood. You and your mate will be long leeved, like us."

Councillor Woodvine steps forward to speak, sending one of his children forward. He looks just like his father and is even dressed identically. He brings a corked bottle of blue liquid. "This is to grow your family, your pack, beyond your borders. Any who enter your Living Wood packhouse will add strength, protection and love to your family. Pour this on the roots of your packhouse and see your family grow in strength and harmony." One of the children of the group makes an inappropriate noise and another one giggles. "...Mostly," he sighs. The child puts the corked bottle on the table, bows and returns to his father.

"We thank you for this powerful gift. This is truly a blessed day for myself and my bride." Edward stands to address the Fae. "We value your friendship and look forward to more opportunities to share auspicious occasions with you, with all of you." Edward turns to the rest of the gathering. "This is truly a day to be remembered with so many magical beings gathered. We thank you all for joining us."

"Here, here!" I hadn't noticed the vampires before this, but most of them looked pleased to be here. The curly haired lady from the Council elbowed a solemn looking younger person who faked a smile before taking a sip of a half-filled glass. I remembered being a teenager like that and mentally shrugged. Someone was bound to be bored.

When the music started, it was time to mingle. Edward and I were pulled in many directions, and not always together. I even danced with Councillor Woodvine at one point. The gaiety lasted into the wee hours of the morning, with some of the children falling asleep at the tables, on the lawn furniture, even in the trees. The vampires were the first to leave, conscious of the mistrust between themselves and humans. Many of the Fae camped outside, under the stars and left with the morning sun. The Lycans and the Druids were shown to guest houses on opposite sides of the main thoroughfare. Lycans to the east and Druids to the west.

Edward and I finally settled down in our rooms just after the sun crested the horizon. "Are you happy, my love?" Edward asked me softly.

"Deliriously!" I replied.