PRAYER FOR SPRING

Her thick white dress flowed in the surprisingly warm winter air, the deep golds, pinks, oranges and lavenders spreading their way across the palette of the skies of Imbolc morning.

Standing on the balcony of the Gazebo in the middle of the Glen, she reached out her arms and felt the wind ripple through her hair and rustle her clothing, a white and gold brocade gown with the soft warm cashmere cloak and furry hood. She could feel the warmth on her face, like nature's caress, and smelled deep lungfuls of the new air across the land. It was spring, when all things began again, and it was coming!

"I speak to all my brethren and give the news that the Ancient Rites are over, and that all save one have passed their trials. On this Imbolc morning, I have wonderful news of a new life that will come to dwell with us in the season of Samhain, for Princess Trysta and Prince Raphael are now awaiting their first child!"

The mass of people, Fae, Dhamphir, and all the entities of the light, came closer to listen to the glad news the new Dhamphir Witch brought them this gorgeous morning! A sound of gladness in the applause and voices made her just as proud of Trysta and Raphael as though she were one of their relations!

Echo looked into the great sea of faces and saw happiness, and everyone was in a celebratory mood! Winter was almost over, and they'd been stifled in their houses far too long! They needed something to celebrate, and today there was so much to dance and sing for! New beginnings were everywhere, it seemed. The Unicorn and Pegasus had been seeing almost daily births, and the word had spread to the Wild Swans, and the Imperial Peacocks, and the Monarch butterflies, and the multicolored hummingbirds, as well as the Royal Honeybees and the Pterns, the seagulls and the Golden Fox, that there was room for all, where there was no fear of man harming them. They were well protected and cared for by Adam and Stephen, and Johanna Howe always made sure they had plenty of good food to eat and fresh sweet water to drink! If there was some animal who was sick, there was always someone who cared for them, and whoever or whatever they were, all were treated equally and with love. black cocktail dress

That was the kind of place the Enchanted Glen was always meant to be.

She went on with her news. "Tonight, as one Royal couple shares the joy of welcoming a new baby into their lives, another Royal couple comes before us to be joined in wedlock tonight! Princess Justine Cassandra Pavel and Prince Adrian Gareth Leonardo will be married tonight at seven o clock in the Royal hall and wish you all to be there to join in their wedding night celebration!"

A fresh round of cheers and applauding echoed in the Glen, and finally, she said, when they had all calmed down, "Now for the blessing you have all so patiently awaited."

She looked heavenward and Echo smiled at the blooming gold of the new day's sunshine. "May we always walk in the new light of this sun, may it always sustain our lives and keep us in its warmth, grow our seeds, shine after the rain, let us find our rainbow, keep us always in its bright and guiding light,today and forever!

The final blessing was so well accepted, that the bonfires were lit then, and the party atmosphere rose in dancing and singing, instruments played and bright colors of skirts and shirts whirled and shone as the day became morning, and the morning became Imbolc.

For Drago, he had only to glance at Echo and he knew what she was thinking. She was hoping her mentor, and friend, Cyn Clancurrie , hadn't given birth yet. She hoped she 'd be in time to see the newborns! She wanted to see Cyn, show her how she was doing things, ask her if it was the right way! So many things to learn, all of it so fast, not because it was expected of her, but because the people needed her. Had she done what Cyn would have? Did she have the talent to make this work? She wondered. There was alot to this Dhamphir Witch job of hers. And it didn't give her a whole lot of time with her husband. She was always rushing off somewhere! But, then, so was he. And besides, she loved learning, and got a chance to use her powers!

But would Cyn see it that way...that was what the question really boiled down to.

Drago read her mind and came to stand beside her as she watched the women move some tables together to hold some of the food they'd prepared. It was actually warming up outside!

"You know she'd approve," Drago told his wife, being honest.

"I don't know what I'm doing, I'm running blind." said Echo, smiling at him. "But I'm trying!" she admitted.

"But you're learning, and I'm here, observing," he reminded her.

"I know. I just wish I understood half of what she knows. What if I ruin something - or someone! What if it's forever?" she worried.

"Nothing is forever," soothed Drago, taking her into his arms.

"We are," she said, looking up at him, just before she kissed him.